Valentine with lace paper and faux pearls

Art Historical Context

Step into the heartfelt world of mid-19th-century romance *Valentine with lace paper and faux pearls crafted around 1855 by Esther Howland, often called the "Mother of American Valentine." Howland revolutionized greeting cards in Worcester, Massachusetts, by producing the first mass-marketed valentines in the U.S., inspired by English imports. This delicate ephemera, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints, captures the era's sentimental spirit, when Valentine's Day blossomed into a commercial sensation. The artwork dazzles with intricate techniques: cameo-embossed lace paper forms a ornate border, while chromolithographed die-cuts—vibrant, color-printed shapes—add pops of imagery. Faux pearls, blue and white satin ribbons, gold paper stars, and touches of graphite, ink, and watercolor create a luxurious, three-dimensional layered effect on its 9⅛ × 7⅞-inch sheet. These materials evoked opulence on a budget, making romance accessible to everyday sweethearts. As a preserved gift from Gladys Norbury in 1957, this valentine highlights Howland's innovation in affordable, expressive ephemera. It reflects Victorian culture's love for elaborate gestures, blending artistry with commerce in a fleeting yet enduring token of affection.

About the Artist

Esther Howland · 1828–1904

American, Worcester, Massachusetts 1828–1904 Quincy, Massachusetts