Thou Art the Star that Guides Me (valentine)
c. 1840
Medium
Lithograph with hand-coloring on cut and embossed ivory wove paper (lace)
Dimensions
Folded sheet: 19.5 × 12.4 cm (7 11/16 × 4 15/16 in.)
Classification
valentine
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
75708
Art Historical Context
Step into the romantic world of Victorian courtship with *Thou Art the Star that Guides*, a charming valentine created around 1840 by Joseph Addbrooke. This delicate lithograph, enhanced with vibrant hand-coloring, is printed on ivory wove paper meticulously cut and embossed to intricate lace. Folded to a compact 19.5 × 12.4 cm, it was designed as a portable token of affection, perfect for slipping into a pocket or envelope. In the 19th century, valentines like this one blossomed as a popular British custom, blending mass production with personal artistry. Lithography allowed for detailed ima...