Do Not Bid My Voice Be Mute (valentine) c. 1840

George Meek created this Valentine using ink and watercolor on paper, and lace. Valentine’s Day cards became increasingly popular in the 19th century as advances in printing and paper manufacturing made them cheaper to produce, a democratization that also increased their availability to different social classes. This card suggests the social dynamics of courtship and its ritualized language, a concept made evident by the verse inscribed in the image: “Do not bid my voice be mute / But listen to my fervent suit.” The sentimental iconography of flowers, birds, and nests was common for these kinds of objects. The handmade nature of this Valentine card is important to note in a time of increasing industrialization and mass production in both Europe and the United States. It suggests an alternative practice of artistic production and consumption to be more personal, intimate, and deeply felt. Understanding the context in which artworks are made is crucial to understanding its impact, and we can only do so with careful art-historical research.