Valentine 1847 - 1879

This Valentine card was likely made in an industrialized setting, sometime in the 19th century. It's comprised of paper embossed with gilded surfaces, and adorned with white paper cut-outs. The abundance of detail, from floral ornaments to figures of Cupid and courtly love, demonstrates the possibilities afforded by the division of labor. It suggests a complex process involving multiple stages, and a range of specialized operations. The card's visual effect is a riot of textures. Note the contrast between the smooth, reflective gold and the matte paper. The embossed details cast shadows, adding depth to the design. The entire ensemble is a careful orchestration of light and shadow, designed to create an impression of luxury and romance. This Valentine card shows how humble materials can be transformed through careful design and industrial production. What might once have been a labor-intensive, handmade object is here rendered accessible through mass manufacture. It dissolves traditional distinctions between fine art and the objects of everyday life.