Valentine 1874

This "Valentine" card was made by Kate Greenaway. We are presented with symbols of love and nature, combined in a curious way. The poem speaks of a bird and a flower, acting as messengers of love, but the true focus here lies in the visual language. The flowers, rendered with soft, pastel hues, evoke feelings of tenderness, but also resonate with the ancient motif of the "language of flowers," where each bloom carries a specific meaning. Think back to classical depictions of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, whose image is linked to beauty and rebirth. In the lower cartouche we see a gallant handing what seems to be a letter to a kneeling lady. This gesture is reminiscent of medieval courtly love, a symbol of devotion and longing. Yet, there’s also a hint of melancholy, as the poem touches upon the idea of fading beauty. This duality—the joyful and the sorrowful— engages us on a deeper, subconscious level, reflecting the complex nature of love. This card reminds us that symbols never truly disappear; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, echoing through time.