Valentine 1850 - 1860

This Valentine, made by an anonymous artist, is full of paper lace, pressed flowers, and hand-applied decoration. It uses materials and processes drawn from the everyday, not traditional fine art. The material qualities create the whole effect: the embossed paper gives texture and depth; the applied botanicals bring natural color and form. Look closely, and you can imagine the steps in its making: cutting, layering, and carefully adhering each element. The production of such a card involved specialized labor. During the Victorian era, the mass production of paper Valentines emerged with industrialization, but handmade pieces like this were also popular. It reflects both the commercialization of affection and the personal touch of craft. Considering its materiality and means of production, this Valentine blurs the lines between commercial product and crafted expression. It's a reminder that even the most sentimental objects are embedded in larger social and economic contexts.