Untitled Valentine (Wreath with Rope Tie)
c. 1850
Medium
Collaged elements on cut and embossed ivory wove paper (lace)
Dimensions
Folded sheet: 13.5 × 9.1 cm (5 3/8 × 3 5/8 in.)
Classification
collage
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
129037
Art Historical Context
In the mid-19th century, the height of Victorian sentimentality, handmade valentines like *Untitled Valentine (Wreath with Rope)* by Joseph Mansell the era's romantic fervor. Created around 1850, this delicate folded sheet measures just 13.5 × 9.1 cm, designed as an intimate token of affection. The central wreath motif, tied with a symbolic rope, evokes enduring love and fidelity—common emblems in the popular valentine tradition that blended poetry, imagery, and personal craftsmanship. Mansell's work exemplifies the artistry of paper collage on ivory wove "lace" paper, a specialty medium cut ...