Valentine 1842 - 1875

This small Valentine, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was made by Esther Howland, a 19th-century American businesswoman. The card is an example of the elaborate, handmade valentines that Howland produced and popularized in the United States. These valentines, made from imported lace and paper, reflect Victorian ideals of romance and sentimentality. Howland cleverly adapted European traditions to the American market, creating a successful business that empowered women as both producers and consumers. Her entrepreneurial spirit challenged traditional gender roles. By examining business records and social histories, we can understand how Howland's valentines not only expressed affection but also contributed to the changing social and economic landscape of the time. These material objects provide valuable insights into the cultural values and power dynamics of 19th-century America.