Spiral Cut Valentine

Date1860-1880

MediumPrinter's inks on partially cut wove paper with an elaborate embossed border.

DimensionsFramed: 14 1/8" x 12 1/8" x 2 5/16"

Credit LineGift of Marvin (Joe) and Nancy Stone

Object number2009.306.2

DescriptionA commercially-printed love token consisting of an elaborate, decoratively embossed border and, in the center of the paper, printed script verses above and below a pictorial image of flowers, the center of which is cut in a spiral. The cut paper has been been pulled forward to reveal, behind it, a printed image of a Cupid-like figure holding a torch and standing upon a seashell.
The Valentine has been professionally framed in a modern, deep shadow-box frame 2 1/8-inches wide consisting of molded mahogany with a decorative gilded liner.
MarkingsPress-printed verses above and below the color-lithographed image of flowers in the center read, above: "Lurking under fairy flowers,/Gayly, love, shall pass the hours,/On the land, or on the stream,/Thou art still my own day dream." And below: "May the dearest gifts of life,/Like the tendrils of the vine,/Guard thee from the world's rude strife,/Thou --- my chosen Valentine."
A modern label on the back of the frame reads: "Custom Framed/by/Kroll/1330 Post Road/Fairfield, Conn."

ProvenanceNo certain provenance prior to Nancy Stone's ownership has been documented. The piece may have been one that Mr. and Mrs. Stone acquired through his aunt and uncle, Catherine and Bradford Clarke, who were antiques dealers of Cape Cod, Mass.