With Heart and Hand
— A Gallery of Symbols

Cupid, God of Love

Birds' Song of Love

Language of Flowers

Resplendent Rose! Flower of Flowers!

Heart's Delight

Romance in Cranberry Glass

Pennsylvania - German Folk Art

Shell Valentines

Emotions are often expressed through utilitarian objects, which are transformed by the experience, feeling and artistry of the maker into representations of a metaphysical, spiritual world. Imbued with cultural symbols or representations of religious beliefs, these things declare the maker's search for deeper connection with God and fellow humans. The stylized heart appears throughout time and in many cultures, with both religious and sensual connotations. From its origins in folk culture and religious belief, it naturally followed that the heart would be adopted as a symbol for Saint Valentine's Day, with its suggestions of the earthly and the spiritual.

View the QTVR version of this valentine (990 Kb).

Doors of the Garden

Late 19th–early 20th century. 3-D pop-up, mechanical, cutout, embossed, colour printing, gold leaf. Germany[?]. Musée Colby-Curtis:
2003.14.
12.7 x 8.2 x 11.6 cm.