Valentine 1880

This small Valentine was likely made in a factory setting, using techniques adapted from the lace industry. It's primarily paper, but treated in a way that makes it almost textile-like, embossed with elaborate patterns and pierced along the edges. The central image of a young woman is printed and applied separately. The combination of these processes speaks to the rise of industrial production in the 19th century. It shows how techniques previously associated with skilled handcraft were being adapted for mass manufacture. While the card appears delicate and romantic, its creation involved a division of labor and a streamlining of production. This highlights a shift in the nature of work itself, as well as the sentimental value we place on handmade objects versus those made by machine. Ultimately, this Valentine is a reminder that even the most intimate expressions are often shaped by larger economic forces, blurring the boundaries between craft, industry, and personal expression.