Galvanoplastische reproductie van een lampenvoet, driehoekig, gedragen door drie vrouwenfiguren before 1878

This triangular lamp stand, crafted by Elkington & Co., dazzles with its golden hue and intricate detail. The eye is immediately drawn to its elaborate structure: three winged lionesses supporting a central urn, all resting on an ornate base. The play of classical motifs and symmetry speaks volumes about the artistic intentions. The choice of galvanoplastic reproduction as a medium allowed for precise replication of complex forms, democratizing access to luxury items. The winged lionesses, with their dual nature—part beast, part mythological creature—destabilize conventional symbolic meanings. Are they guardians of light, symbols of power, or merely decorative elements? Ultimately, this piece challenges us to consider how mass production can intersect with artistic expression. It also questions how an object’s form can reflect broader cultural values and philosophical concerns about originality, reproduction, and the evolving role of art in society.