Boxed Valentine's Day Card 1840 - 1899

This anonymous "Boxed Valentine's Day Card" from the late 19th century, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases a delicate watercolor portrait of a woman dressed in a vibrant yellow gown with a pink sash. The intricate design of the card features elaborate borders in shades of green and gold, highlighting the sentimental nature of Victorian-era Valentine's Day greetings. This small but lovingly crafted artwork exemplifies the artistry of anonymous creators during this period, offering a glimpse into the visual language of affection and courtship in 19th-century America.