Untitled Valentine (Flowers and Putti) 1850 - 1870

This intricate Valentine was made by the Mullord Brothers, though we don’t know exactly when. The folded sheet is a delicate assemblage of cut paper, with colorful accents bringing out the floral motifs and cherubic figures. The image speaks to shifting social codes around love and courtship. The rise of a middle class during the nineteenth century meant more people had disposable income and were able to participate in cultural trends. Valentine's cards moved from being handmade and unique to mass-produced, like this one. These new commodities encouraged people to express affection and cement their relationships through the purchase of a token. Though sentimental, the flowers and cherubs are also signifiers of status, taste, and the ability to participate in consumer culture. To better understand this object, one could explore the history of the Mullord Brothers’ company, the role of print culture in shaping social interactions, and the rise of sentimentalism in the 19th century.