Say Shall I Conquer (valentine) c. 1840

This Valentine, “Say Shall I Conquer,” was made by Joseph Addenbrooke on an unknown date and now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The delicate lace border and carefully arranged flowers speak to the Victorian era's emphasis on courtship and sentimental expression. What does it mean to conquer in love, and how might the power dynamics of gender and class play out in such a pursuit? This object offers a space to consider the intimate connections between personal feelings and societal structures. In this period of industrial revolution and shifting social norms, the crafting of handmade objects held particular significance. The act of making and giving such a token could be seen as a form of resistance against mass production and a celebration of individual artistry. This Valentine invites us to reflect on the cultural values and expectations that shape our understanding of love, then and now.