Valentine 1859 - 1869

"Valentine" is an anonymous, hand-colored and embossed paper valentine, with a delicate white lace border along the bottom. It is made up of embossed gold and white paper, creating a three-dimensional effect and depicts two white doves, surrounded by floral embellishments. The paper is in a folded card format. It is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. This unique and intricate design is a prime example of the popular Victorian era tradition of handmade valentines.