Untitled Valentine (Woman in Pink Dress) c. 1840

This delicate Valentine, created by Lemercier et Compagnie, presents us with an image of a woman framed within intricate lace patterns. The lace, a symbol of delicacy and refinement, speaks to the cultural values of the time, reminiscent of courtship rituals and social graces. This motif of framing a figure appears throughout art history; consider the Renaissance portraits where the subjects are framed by architectural elements, emphasizing their importance. In the Valentine, the woman is cocooned by lace, a material that hints at both protection and vulnerability. This can be related to the ‘veil’ present in ancient art which hides and reveals, obscuring and alluding to something beneath. The gesture of the lace edging, much like veils, connects to potent emotional undertones. The enduring appeal of the Valentine lies in its ability to tap into our collective memory of love and connection. In this image, we see echoes of ancient customs, transformed and re-presented, speaking to the timeless human desire for affection and recognition.