Valentine 1819

This delicate Valentine was painted anonymously, on a sheet of paper, and it now resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Valentine’s Day emerged as a commercial enterprise in the 19th century, and images like this reflect that culture. Cards, often adorned with sentimental verses and floral motifs, became a popular way to express affection. The practice was fueled by advances in printing technology and the expansion of postal systems, which facilitated the mass production and distribution of such items. By the Victorian era, Valentine’s Day had transformed from a religious feast day into a widespread secular celebration of love and courtship. You can research the archives of printing companies, postal service records, and social histories from the period to get a better sense of this. The images we create and consume always tell a broader cultural story!