Valentine 1850 - 1879

Editor: This watercolor, titled "Valentine," is from sometime between 1850 and 1879, by an anonymous artist. The color palette feels so saccharine and precious! All those roses… How should we interpret its purpose within that Victorian context? Curator: It's a fascinating artifact. Valentine cards like these became immensely popular during the mid-19th century, fueled by advancements in printing and postal services. Think about it - this was a period deeply invested in social rituals and sentimental expression. What kind of role do you think these played in shaping courtship customs? Editor: Well, I imagine it gave people an acceptable channel to express admiration they couldn't voice directly. So a Valentine was a coded form of communication that reinforces social expectations. Curator: Exactly. And it was carefully constructed with certain symbolic conventions. The roses obviously allude to love. But let’s consider the larger picture: The lace detailing, the delicate rendering, the incorporation of what looks like a goddess, and of course, the carefully crafted script. These elements collectively perform the expected decorum of courtship, solidifying existing social hierarchies of behavior. Do you think such rituals truly empowered or restricted expression? Editor: Hmmm, both perhaps. They allowed *some* expression, but within rigid boundaries. Maybe these traditions ultimately controlled it through those channels rather than expanding it, like decorating the cage to keep the bird in. I wonder if there was much subversion happening, of messages through these materials? Curator: An astute point. There definitely are less conventional examples out there challenging norms but you’d expect they were often more privately circulated! Considering its historical popularity and aesthetic style I believe "Valentine" can offer a tangible lens into understanding both romantic ideals and prevailing power dynamics of its time. Editor: That makes me look at all this lacy ornamentation differently. It's beautiful, but it’s also working very hard to keep everything within bounds. Thanks!