Valentine

Art Historical Context

Kate Greenaway's *Valentine*, created around 1880, captures the sentimental charm of Victorian-era greeting cards. This petite ephemera piece, measuring just 2 7/16 by 3 3/8 inches, was designed as a romantic token, likely featuring tender scenes of women, men and couples as suggested by its tags. Greenaway, a celebrated British illustrator known for her delicate, Regency-inspired depictions of children and sweethearts, brought whimsy and elegance to everyday objects like these valentines, which were immensely popular in the late 19th century. Printed on white card stock using chromolithography and gold lithography with gilding, the work showcases advanced Victorian printing techniques that allowed for vibrant colors and shimmering metallic accents at an affordable scale. Chromolithography, a precursor to modern color printing, enabled mass production while preserving Greenaway's soft, watercolor-like style—full of idealized innocence and floral motifs. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Mrs. Richard Riddell, 1981), it exemplifies how commercial art elevated everyday rituals into cherished keepsakes. These valentines reflect a cultural fascination with romance and ephemera, blending artistry with commerce in an age of growing mass media. A delightful glimpse into Victorian courtship!

About the Artist

Kate Greenaway · 1846–1901

Kate Greenaway (1846–1901) was a British artist and writer who became one of the most beloved children's book illustrators of the Victorian era and a significant influence on children's fashion and popular culture. Born Catherine Greenaway in Hoxton, London, she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal Female School of Art, and began her career designing greeting cards and magazine il...