Fulcra
The ends of the framework on which the pillows of a couch or the cushions of a chair were
placed, resembling the head of a modern sofa. They are invariably ornamented with inlaid
bronze, sometimes of the richest kind, and are surmounted by bronze ornaments often
representing the head and shoulders of a mule or ass, turning sideways and backwards, with
ears put down and a vicious expression. For the head of the ass is sometimes substituted that
of a boy, or the head and neck of a goose. The lower part is decorated with a round boss from
which springs a bust of a
genius in full relief, or of some youthful
divinity, such as Bacchus or Hercules. The framework to which these ornaments are attached is
described in Juvenal (xi. 93-98). The
genius fulcri is mentioned ib. vi.
22 and elsewhere. See W. C. F. Anderson in the
Classical Review for 1889, p.
322; and the article
Lectus.