Valentine 1845 - 1875

This delicate Valentine, crafted anonymously, presents a tapestry of lace and symbols steeped in centuries of cultural meaning. Dominating the scene are the hearts, emblems of affection since the Middle Ages, intertwined with doves, ancient symbols of peace and love, echoing through Roman mythology as sacred to Venus. These motifs speak of deep-seated desires for connection. Note the figures of Cupid, whose image has evolved from a powerful god to a playful cherub, reflecting a shift in our understanding of love from divine intervention to a more human experience. Consider how this image resonates with Botticelli's Venus, where similar gestures and symbols evoke themes of love and fertility. Such enduring motifs remind us that art is a potent carrier of cultural memory, revealing how the past continues to inform our present emotions and expressions.