Untitled Valentine (Flowers)
1840/50
Medium
Collaged elements and watercolor on pink accented and embossed ivory wove paper
Dimensions
Folded sheet: 13.9 × 9.4 cm (5 1/2 × 3 3/4 in.)
Classification
valentine
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
75808
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints Drawings collection, *Untitled Valentine (Flowers is a charming mid-19th-century artifact from around 1840–1850. Created by an unknown hand, this intimate folded sheet measures just 13.9 × 9.4 cm, perfect for slipping into a pocket or envelope as a token of affection during the Victorian era. Valentines like this one blossomed in popularity as romantic customs evolved, blending heartfelt sentiment with accessible artistry amid growing literacy and postal services. The artwork's medium—collaged elements and watercolor on pink-accented, embossed ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...