Tis Loving Thee Too Well (valentine) c. 1850

Joseph Mansell's "Tis Loving Thee Too Well (valentine)" is a charming example of Victorian era sentimentalism, a popular genre of artwork. This c. 1850 piece features a delicate hand-written poem about love, framed by a floral border and a golden image of birds. The artwork's small size, 178 × 117 mm (folded sheet), suggests its intended function as a personal Valentine's Day card. The delicate floral motifs and romantic message would have made it a cherished expression of affection in the 19th century. The piece is now housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, offering a glimpse into the artistry and sentiment of a bygone era.