Item 3220 Savonarola Settee Dimensions Width 54, Height 39, Depth 14 (in inches) Wood Beech Date France or Italy Country Circa 1930 Description This settee or divano is an early 20th century interpretation of a popular style of chair dating back to the Renaissance in Florence but whose ultimate ancestry stems from the Roman Empire.   Taking the basic design known as a Savonarola Chair after the 15th century prior whose chair is still visible in his cell at San Marco in Florence, the settee represents two such chairs in top and base but with one horizontal piece forming the seat.  Such a design is highly unusual and at one time was likely part of a grouping including individual Savonarola chairs such as items 3221 and 3231.  The back is intricately carved in the tradition of Renaissance Revival and the arms have the characteristic.  For more about Savonarola Chairs, go to item 3231.  Being of a more recent construction, this settee is sturdy and even mimics the folding feature of Savonarola chairs when the back is removed and the seat is lifted. Reference Ader-Tajan, Collection Bruno Perrier Haute Epoque (Catalog for Sale at Auction on April 6, 1992 at the Hotel Drouot, Paris); Boccador, Jacqueline, Le Mobilier Français du Moyen Age à la Renaissance, Editions d'Art Monelle Hayot (Saint-Just-en-Chaussée, 1988) Uses This settee would work well in an entryway or hallway.  For maximum comfort, a pillow can be added to the seat.