Valentine
ca. 1880
Medium
White card stock with gilding; chromolithography, gold lithography
Dimensions
Width: 2 7/16 in. (6.2 cm) Length: 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)
Classification
Ephemera|Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Richard Riddell, 1981
Accession Number
1981.1136.803
Tags
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 chromolithograp...
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...