Untitled Valentine (Three Hearts) c. 1865

This exquisite Valentine was made by Berlin and Jones, using paper, and a whole lot of skill. The card's delicate tracery reveals a whole world of artisanal production. These paper Valentines were essentially handcrafted, with patterns and embellishments applied via die-cutting, embossing and hand coloring. These processes evoke the labor-intensive traditions of lacemaking. It is easy to imagine the rows of nimble-fingered workers carefully making these cards, piece by piece. It is important to remember that these Valentines were made in a specific social context. The 19th century saw an explosion in the commercialization of holidays like Valentine's Day, which encouraged mass production of sentimental objects. Looking closely at this card, we can appreciate both the beauty of the design and the labor that went into its creation. Hopefully, this appreciation will broaden our understanding of art history, beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.