8vo Valentine with Fine Silk Mesh, Pictorial Lace Paper, Victorian Scrap
London: 1850s. A finely produced 8vo valentine made from lace paper, fine silk mesh, Victorian scrap, and a panel of cream-colored silk. Created with layering, the valentine tells a story: first is a 5" by 3.25" pictorial lace paper depicting two lovers courting amidst a pastoral landscape. It is secured to the valentine with two embossed floral scraps at the upper corners. Through the central window is a fine, nearly see-through silk mesh, on top of which is an embossed floral scrap. When the lace paper with silk mesh is lifted at the bottom edge, the viewer sees a hidden scrap depicting a cow, and a wreath of floral scraps surrounding a scrap depicting an open book reading "True Love". Inside the lace paper bifolium is an additional scrap reading "Constancy" made from embossed, die-cut coated paper heightened in gold. The lace paper bifolium itself measures 7.5" by 4.75" and has a modern blind stamp of previous owner (Marcia Finley Smith) to lower leaf. Very good. Toning, spotting, otherwise nicely preserved.
Price: $125.00
Item #24011003