Untitled Valentine (Reclining Couple with Putti)

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Art of Chicago's Prints and collection, *Untitled Valentine (Recl Couple with Putti)* Berlin and Jones (ca. 1860–69) is a charming example of Victorian-era romantic artistry. This intimate collage, folded to a petite 8.1 × 13 cm, depicts a reclining couple encircled by playful putti—cherubic figures symbolizing love and mischief. Crafted on ivory wove paper, it like a tender surprise, revealing layered scenes of affection amid floral motifs. The work showcases innovative 19th-century papercraft techniques: meticulously cut, embossed, and collaged elements create a three-dimensional effect, transforming a simple greeting into a sculptural keepsake. Berlin and Jones, likely collaborators in the burgeoning stationery trade, exemplify the era's commercial Valentine boom, when mass-produced yet hand-finished cards became tokens of courtship. Embossing added tactile elegance, mimicking lace or velvet, while the collage method allowed for vivid, personalized storytelling. This valentine captures the cultural fervor for sentimental expression in mid-Victorian America and Britain, bridging folk art with emerging print culture. Its delicate survival highlights the era's blend of whimsy and craftsmanship, inviting us to rediscover the heartfelt rituals of romance.