My Rest, My Peace of Mind Has Fled (Valentine)

Art Historical Context

Step into the sentimental world of Victorian romance with *My Rest, My Peace Mind Has Fled (entine)*, a charming lithograph with hand-coloring created by George Kers around 1840. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago Prints and Drawings Department, this folded sheet measures 23.1 × 19.1 cm and is printed on luxurious embossed ivory wove, giving it a tactile, three elegance that elevates it a simple greeting. In the early 19th century,-produced valentines like this one exploded in popularity, blending industrial printing with artisanal hand-coloring to make heartfelt declarations affordable yet personal. Kershaw's design captures the era's dramatic romanticism—its poetic title evokes lovesick longing, a staple of the sentimental verse that filled these cards. Lithography allowed for intricate details and reproducibility, while the hand-applied colors added warmth and vibrancy, mimicking handmade folk art. This valentine exemplifies how 1840s print culture democratized affection, turning private emotions into shareable art. Its embossed surface, simulating fine lace or fabric, underscores the tactile intimacy of courtship rituals, offering visitors a delightful glimpse into a time when love was boldly proclaimed on paper.

About the Artist

George Kershaw

George Kershaw is an artist whose works have been preserved in museum collections in meaningful quantity, pointing to a genuine career and a recognized body of output, even though the biographical details that would identify his nationality, training, and active period have not been established in the sources currently available. The absence of nationality information alongside the absence of date...