Valentine

Art Historical Context

Kate Greenaway’s “Valentine” of 1874 captures the tender sentiment of Victorian courtship through its charming depiction of children amid flowers and verse. A leading illustrator of the era, Greenaway became celebrated for her delicate portrayals of boys and girls in nostalgic, old-fashioned dress, often set in idyllic gardens. This small card reflects the widespread popularity of printed valentines in the nineteenth century, when such tokens blended poetry, floral symbolism, and lighthearted imagery to express affection. The work’s technical sophistication lies in its combination of chromolithography and gold lithography on embossed white card with a scalloped border. These mass-production methods allowed vibrant colors and metallic accents to reach a broad audience, transforming what had once been hand-painted keepsakes into affordable, widely shared objects. Measuring just under seven inches long, the card exemplifies how printmaking brought art into everyday life. Now preserved in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection of drawings and prints, “Valentine” offers a delightful glimpse into both the commercial artistry and romantic customs of the Victorian period.

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...