Valentine 1878

This anonymous Victorian-era Valentine, created in 1878, features a young girl watering flowers within an oval frame. The elaborate design includes a delicate white paper cut-out border with intricate patterns, surrounding a green background adorned with gold foil and flowers. The card, measuring just 3 15/16 inches wide and 5 3/8 inches long, is a charming example of handmade Valentines from the 19th century. The delicate craftsmanship and sentimental subject matter made these cards popular gifts exchanged on Valentine's Day during the Victorian era. This particular Valentine is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.