Accept this Offering (valentine) c. 1850

"Accept this Offering (valentine)" is a delicate watercolor on paper Valentine's Day card created by Joseph Addenbrooke around 1850. The card features a floral arrangement with a pair of doves perched above, all framed by a decorative lace-like border. The design highlights a landscape with a small village and a church in the distance. The card's intricate details and romantic imagery reflect the Victorian era's sentimental and romantic aesthetic. This artwork is part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, and its small dimensions, 197 × 124 mm, suggest that this was a personal, handmade Valentine's Day card, showcasing the artistry of the time.