Valentine 1875 - 1880

"Valentine" is an 1875-1880 chromolithograph, an early printing method that used multiple plates to create colorful images, attributed to an anonymous artist. It features a young girl, dressed in a pink and white dress, sleeping inside a vibrant purple pansy. The imagery of a child nestled within a flower evokes a sense of innocence and gentleness, aligning with the themes of love and affection associated with Valentine's Day. Currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, this miniature artwork (4 1/8 in. by 3 1/2 in.) exemplifies the popular Victorian style of sentimental imagery and decorative elements.