Valentine 1850 - 1860

Editor: This is a mid-19th century Valentine, a watercolor drawing and print at the Met. It has that delicate, layered aesthetic with little cherubs and sailboats and a prominent rose. It's almost overwhelming with its ornamentation. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating snapshot of Victorian social mores. The very act of creating such an elaborate, fragile object speaks to a particular mode of courtship and a carefully constructed vision of femininity. Consider the labour involved, the expense; these were powerful statements of intent. Who would have received this kind of declaration, and what privileges, expectations, or burdens might it place on them? Editor: That’s interesting. It feels so sentimental and sweet. But you are making me think about the power dynamics involved. Was it only the wealthy who could participate in this level of gift-giving? Curator: Exactly. The economic and social implications are critical. While mass production techniques democratized some aspects of gift-giving, handmade or elaborately embellished items remained markers of status. Think, too, about the visual language: cherubs evoking innocence, the rose symbolizing beauty and love, and sailing scenes possibly referring to journeys and promises. How do those elements contribute to a narrative around love and marriage in the 19th century? Editor: So it's not just about beauty, but about carefully curated symbolism meant to impress a specific audience, one with the ability to appreciate such craft, labor and care? I'd never thought of a Valentine in that light. Curator: Precisely! We have to challenge that vision of it. What appears to be a sentimental artifact reveals complex issues of class, gender roles, and the performance of love. These kinds of intimate objects offer such a unique window. Editor: That’s a perspective shift I really appreciate. It definitely makes me see more beyond just the decoration. Curator: And hopefully to consider who may be left out of such declarations, by gender, or social and economic status.