Galvanoplastische reproductie van de "Interimspokal" uit het Lüneburger Ratssilber c. 1553 - 1880

This electroplated reproduction of the "Interimspokal" from the Lüneburg City Silver was made by Fa. Vollgold & Sohn. Electroplating, a process by which a metallic coating is applied to a conductive surface, has deeply influenced metalwork and design since its invention. Notice how this piece mimics the look and feel of traditional silver, yet it's created through a very different method. Electroplating allows for intricate detailing and replication on a much wider scale than handcrafting. The method involves the careful application of a thin layer of metal onto the base material, building up the surface gradually. This approach enabled manufacturers to produce affordable, decorative objects, democratizing access to luxury goods. The cultural significance of this piece lies in its embrace of new technologies and modes of production, reflecting the changing landscape of labor, politics, and consumption in the industrial era. It blurs the lines between craft and industry, challenging the conventional hierarchy of artistic value.