Valentine 1845 - 1875

Editor: So this is a “Valentine,” made sometime between 1845 and 1875. It's an anonymous print and drawing, now at the Met. I’m struck by its overt sentimentality, almost to the point of kitsch. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This is definitely a piece rooted in its time, reflecting the Victorian era's emphasis on sentiment and elaborate decoration. Beyond its visual appeal, think about how this card might have functioned within the social dynamics of courtship. Editor: I hadn’t thought about that. How would something like this reflect courtship at the time? Curator: Well, what do you see? Think about the central image: a young couple, rendered with an almost childlike innocence. It’s idyllic, sanitized. How does this image normalize certain gender roles and expectations in relationships? Consider the visual codes of love and domesticity being presented. What about the "Compliments of the season," on top? Editor: It feels...prescriptive. Like it's presenting a very specific, maybe even unrealistic, idea of love. The male has his pole as if being with his girl is only to pass the time; whereas, the female is holding what I assume is what he caught. A lot of dependency on each other. I guess the flowers are just a testament to a man bringing flowers to his female counterpart as another romantic symbol. Curator: Exactly! These cards weren't just innocent tokens; they actively participated in constructing and reinforcing societal expectations. Do you think the accessibility and mass production of such items could have democratized expressions of affection, or did they create a new form of social pressure? Editor: That's a good point! Mass production likely made them more accessible, but maybe it also standardized feelings. Thank you, I’m walking away from here knowing to look beneath the surface of artworks and see their impact! Curator: My pleasure! Seeing art this way offers a more robust viewing experience.