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This drinking cup is one of only five so-called “galvanic” goblets known. That term was long assumed to refer to the process of electroforming, or possibly to the electroplating of gold onto its silver body. Recent research, however, has revealed that its gold surface was not electroplated, and that the goblet is made of silver and zinc, rather than a more typical alloy of silver and copper. “Galvanic” may refer to its unusual metal composition, believed at the time to be good for one’s health. This example was likely owned by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (1763–1827), younger brother of George IV, and was designed by the neoclassical sculptor John Flaxman.
"Galvanic" goblet
Marked by: Paul Storr (English, 1771–1844)
Retailed by: Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (English, 1797–1843)
Designed by: John Flaxman (English, 1755–1826)
Retailed by: Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (English, 1797–1843)
Designed by: John Flaxman (English, 1755–1826)
English (London)
1814
Medium/Technique
Silver gilt
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 12.2 x 7.3 cm (4 13/16 x 2 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds by exchange from the Kiyi and Edward M. Pflueger Collection—Bequest of Edward M. Pflueger and Gift of Kiyi Powers Pflueger
Accession Number2014.856
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
This drinking cup is one of only five so-called “galvanic” goblets known. That term was long assumed to refer to the process of electroforming, or possibly to the electroplating of gold onto its silver body. Recent research, however, has revealed that its gold surface was not electroplated, and that the goblet is made of silver and zinc, rather than a more typical alloy of silver and copper. “Galvanic” may refer to its unusual metal composition, believed at the time to be good for one’s health. This example was likely owned by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (1763–1827), younger brother of George IV, and was designed by the neoclassical sculptor John Flaxman.
DescriptionOn circular stepped foot chased with a band of trailing stylized foliage on a matted ground, rising to a straight fluted stem headed by a cast calyx of radiating palmettes, the hemispherical bowl double-walled, decorated with a broad matted band of three floating female figures (The Hours) with floral garlands between.
Marks
Struck on bowl with hallmarks (lion passant, leopard's head, date letter, and monarch's head duty mark) and with marker's mark, also stamped under base 241.
ProvenancePossibly Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (b. 1763 – d. 1827); March 19-22, 1827, posthumous Duke of York sale, Christie, Manson, and Woods, London, possibly lot 105. August 1957, sold by Tessiers (dealer), London. Private collection, England; sold by this private collection to J. A. Nusser (dealer), Fakenham, England; 2014, sold by J. A. Nusser, through Christopher Hartop, Fakenham, England, to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 25, 2014)