Buitenbak van een botervloot c. 1900

This is the outer container of a butter dish, crafted in an unknown time and place by Orivit. The floral Art Nouveau decoration on this modest pewter object speaks volumes about its cultural moment. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a boom in industrial production in Europe and North America. Decorative objects that once would have been affordable only to the wealthy became accessible to the middle classes. Department stores and world’s fair exhibitions displayed these goods in unprecedented quantities. At the same time, a counter-movement arose, emphasizing hand craftsmanship and unique design. Art Nouveau, as a style, sought to bridge this divide, using new industrial techniques to create objects inspired by nature. While this butter dish might seem a humble example, it reflects a society grappling with the meaning of beauty and the impact of industrialization. The historian’s role is to piece together this story, using the object as a starting point.