Valentine 1880

This small Valentine was made by an anonymous artist, likely in the 19th century. Valentines like these were often handmade, and given as gifts expressing romantic love, particularly within the context of courtship. At the center, we see a middle-class couple embracing on what looks like a balcony. The image romanticizes gender roles and expectations around love and marriage during the Victorian era. This was a time when courtship was highly formalized, and marriage was often seen as a social and economic contract. The delicate, hand-cut paper lace surrounding the image emphasizes the value placed on domestic skills and refined sensibilities, which were associated with femininity. The choice of imagery is not accidental; it reflects and perpetuates the era’s norms and values, underscoring the power of such a seemingly simple token in shaping personal relationships and broader societal expectations. How might such a valentine shape the emotional life of its recipient?