Valentine 1841

drawing, print

drawing

aged paper

paper non-digital material

water colours

pastel soft colours

ink paper printed

print

flower

pastel colours

soft and bright colour

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"Valentine" is an anonymous watercolor on paper created in 1841. The image depicts a vibrant butterfly perched on a cluster of roses and other flowers. The composition is framed by an intricate, delicate floral border. This piece is a prime example of Victorian-era sentimentalism, and it's likely that it was meant to be a romantic greeting card for Valentine's Day. The artwork is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.