Dearest 'Tis Time Alone (valentine) c. 1840

"Dearest 'Tis Time Alone (valentine)" is a delicate, hand-painted valentine card created by George Meek around 1840. The card, now part of The Art Institute of Chicago's collection, features a simple yet romantic composition of three watercolor flowers. The two blossoms, painted in shades of white and pink, are surrounded by green leaves, all carefully arranged against a background of embossed lace. The card's sentiment is expressed in a handwritten inscription, adding a personal touch to this charming example of early Victorian love tokens.