Valentine - Mechanical - Heart opens to reveal Cupid 1875

This mechanical valentine was likely made in the late 19th century, out of paper, card stock, and metal. As a printed object, it belongs to a new world of mass-produced romance. The delicate lithography and die-cut construction speak to a society increasingly fascinated by sentimental expression, and newly equipped with the means to do so inexpensively. Notice the tiny metal clasp, which when released, allows the heart to open, revealing a hidden Cupid. The object’s charm lies in this simple animation, a testament to the ingenuity of design applied to the humblest of materials. This was a labor of love, but also a business, connecting consumerism with the most intimate of human emotions. It is a reminder that even the most heartfelt gestures can be mediated by the marketplace, and brought to you by anonymous labor.