Valentine - Mechanical - pulls open to reveal elaborate scene 1870 - 1880

This Victorian-era Valentine's Day card, created sometime between 1870 and 1880, is a charming example of the intricate craftsmanship of the era. The card, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a delicate bouquet of pink and red roses with a golden tassel, all rendered in a colorful and detailed style. The card's intricate, scalloped border, a common motif in Victorian design, frames a heartfelt message of love and blessing, "Heaven bless you, day and night / Fill your heart with pure delight." The card's intricate design and romantic sentiment make it a delightful glimpse into the visual language of Victorian love.