Oh, Had We Only Met in Time (valentine) c. 1850

Editor: Here we have a beautifully intricate Valentine, made around 1850. It's a print on paper, and the delicacy of the lace border really strikes me. It feels so romantic and old-fashioned. What can you tell me about its imagery and symbolism? Curator: The heart, of course, immediately signifies love, but observe how it's framed: garlands of ivy, doves at the apex. Ivy symbolizes fidelity, doves represent peace and devotion. And within the heart, a still smaller picture contains a basket, most likely containing violets and forget-me-nots...symbols of remembrance and enduring love. What feelings do those symbols evoke? Editor: A sense of yearning, maybe a hint of melancholy. "Oh, Had We Only Met in Time," the title suggests missed opportunities, right? It is bittersweet and hints at an unresolved relationship. Curator: Precisely. The verse continues that theme, but consider the cultural context. Valentine's cards like this were highly codified forms of communication, weren’t they? Sending a valentine meant more than simply saying “I love you.” Think of it as a visual language – what message is this elaborate encoding trying to send? Editor: So, more than a simple declaration of love. It suggests a complex, possibly forbidden, affection. The lace and detail become almost like a screen, both revealing and concealing. Curator: Exactly! It acknowledges societal constraints, yet persists in its declaration, utilizing universally recognized symbols to bypass convention. Look at the mirrored wreaths… Do you recognize any other floral emblems or iconographic signifiers within their stylized composition? Editor: I do not! I think I need a whole course on floral language before even thinking of diving deep into this aspect of art history. The symbolism is beautiful, the social context adds a whole new layer. Thanks! Curator: A pleasure. Every detail serves to deepen and shade our interpretation, a cultural memory carefully inscribed onto paper.