Rare cast iron bench associated with Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841) the Prussian neo-classical architect who designed this pattern for the Roman Baths in Potsdam Park in 1835. The design was influenced by the early Roman furniture discovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 18th century. The back rest and arms are curved for the comfort of the person seated in the bench. The motif of the back panels is a scrolled lyre flanked by classical winged figures. Note the ram's head arm terminals and cloven hoofed feet. Circa 1860-1880 cast possibly by a German foundry. 31 1/2 inches high, 44 inches wide and 20 1/2 inches deep. This bench has been professionally cleaned, primed and repainted white. A cast iron arm chair in this design by Schinkel is in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.