Valentine

Art Historical Context

**Valentine** by William P. Shearwood, created around 1936, is a delicate watercolor and graphite rendering on paperboard, measuring 29.8 x 22.9 cm. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's Index of American Design collection, work exemplifies the meticulous documentation style of the era. Shearwood, an artist employed through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), captured the intricate details of a traditional American valentine—likely a folk art card or decorative object—evoking the sentimental charm of 19th-century romantic customs. The Index of American Design, launched in 1935 as part of the Federal Art Project, aimed to celebrate and preserve the nation's rich material culture during the Great Depression. Artists like Shearwood produced over 15,000 vibrant plates of folk art, crafts, and design objects, providing jobs for creatives while fostering national pride. Watercolor's luminous transparency paired with graphite's precision allowed for faithful reproductions that highlighted colors, patterns, and textures often lost to time. This piece underscores the cultural importance of valentines in American life, symbols of love and handmade affection passed down through generations. By rendering it with such care, Shearwood not only archived a slice of everyday artistry but also invited us to appreciate the heartfelt ingenuity of ordinary Americans. A true gem for lovers of folk heritage!