Galvanoplastische reproductie van het deksel van de beker van het St. Jorisgilde van Middelburg 1881

Editor: So, here we have an intricate brass sculpture, specifically, a galvanoplastic reproduction of the lid of a St. Jorisgilde goblet from Middelburg, dating back to 1881 and made by Elkington & Co. I’m struck by the level of detail – it feels almost overwhelmingly ornate. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Overwhelming is one word for it! For me, it’s a fascinating study in revivalism. The late 19th century was obsessed with reinterpreting earlier styles, and this piece is drenched in that ethos. The details speak volumes: those classical motifs, the almost gothic complexity…it’s a decorative fever dream! What do you make of that figure on top? A tiny titan atop an empire of metal lace! Editor: He certainly stands out. Is it purely decorative, or could it have a symbolic purpose relating to the Guild it was originally made for? Curator: Ah, there's always more under the surface, isn't there? It’s likely St. George himself, slaying the dragon. Guilds, particularly St. George guilds, often associated themselves with heroism and civic duty, using symbols like this to express their values and power. I wonder though, does this 'perfect' reproduction lose some of the soul of the original? A mechanically precise echo...a ghost of craftsmanship. Editor: That's a great point! I hadn't thought of it that way. Seeing this as a ‘ghost of craftsmanship’ versus something entirely new gives it a whole other layer. Curator: Exactly! It makes you think about what "originality" even means, doesn’t it? That’s the fun part - art always invites a deeper dive, a lingering question...like a persistent hum. Editor: I'll definitely be humming about this one. Thanks for the insight!