Untitled Valentine (Three Hearts) c. 1865

This delicate, undated Valentine was crafted by Berlin and Jones and now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The three hearts, meticulously cut, each house symbolic worlds. Observe how the heart, universally a symbol of love, echoes through time, from ancient Egyptian depictions of the soul's seat to medieval Christian allegories of divine affection. Here, it takes a secular form, yet the emotional weight persists. The central medallion features doves, ancient symbols of peace and love, reminiscent of Venus's chariot. Consider the wreath above, a circlet of life and victory since ancient Greece, repurposed here to crown the sentiment of love. This convergence of symbols taps into our collective memory, triggering subconscious associations with love, peace, and enduring affection. Isn't it fascinating how the human desire for connection is continually woven into our symbols, resurfacing across ages and continents, bearing witness to the timeless dance of human emotions?