Valentine - Mechanical organ grinder 1870 - 1880

This small Valentine was made by an anonymous artist using paper and chromolithography. It reflects the Victorian era's complex approach to love and courtship. In the 19th century, institutions played a huge role in dictating social norms, particularly around relationships. Valentine's Day became heavily commercialized, with companies mass-producing cards like this one, offering a way to express affection within acceptable social boundaries. The flowers carry symbolic meanings that were well-understood in that time, like roses for love and passion. The phrase "Ever yours" at the bottom, speaks to the expected tone of devotion and commitment, but notice that this sentiment is generic, not tailored to any specific relationship, so that it is fit for mass consumption. Historians consult a range of sources to understand artworks like this. Printed ephemera, etiquette guides, and social histories can provide a deeper understanding of the cultural values it reflects. It reminds us that even expressions of love are shaped by the social and institutional forces of their time.