Forget Me Not (valentine)
1850/59
Medium
Collaged elements on cut and embossed (designed) ivory wove paper
Dimensions
Folded sheet: 11.9 × 8.5 cm (4 11/16 × 3 3/8 in.)
Classification
collage
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
129017
Art Historical Context
Created in the mid-19th century, *Forget Me Not (valentine)* by George Meek offers a glimpse into Victorian-era expressions of affection. Dating from 1850 to 1859, this intimate folded card measures just under five inches tall, making it a delicate keepsake designed to be tucked into an envelope or hand-delivered. The title evokes the popular language of flowers, where the forget-me-not symbolized true love and remembrance, a sentiment widely celebrated in the sentimental culture of the time. Meek’s work stands out for its inventive use of collage on cut and embossed ivory wove paper. Layers ...