Thou Art to Me (valentine) c. 1840

This Valentine, made by George Meek, is a folded sheet decorated with watercolor and ink. We can use it to think about the social history of love and courtship. The card, adorned with delicate lace patterns, presents a vision of idealized romance through sentimental verse and floral motifs. Valentines like this one offer a glimpse into the emotional landscape of the period. We can imagine the exchange of such tokens as playing a role in defining and reinforcing social norms around relationships. The material used, the artistic style, and the very act of giving such a card all contribute to the cultural meanings of love. To fully understand the history of this Valentine, we might consult popular literature of the time, etiquette manuals, and even conduct interviews to better understand the social rituals surrounding courtship and gift-giving. By doing so, we can uncover the complex interplay between art, emotion, and social life.