Item number: PRN032
Genuine Antique Print
1854
Maker: Gleason's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion.
Antique print from Gleason's Pictorial, Boston, Saturday, February 18, 1854. Decorative header with a view of Boston. Good condition with some stains. Page measures approx. 15 x 10 inches.
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY.
Below we give an allegorical representation of St. Valentine's Day, an appropriate and timely picture for the season. The two principal figures seem to have just lost their hearts, and are flying off with the same; a spirited little cupid seems to be but fulfilling his legitimate line of business, "cruel but to be kind," since he has pierced them both with his arrow. The surroundings of the picture are suggestive, as the reader will observe, of the character of the day and the legend that attaches to it. Long years of custom have consecrated this period to the sending and receiving of love letters; even in Shakespeare's time it seems to have been in vogue, and has been improved for centuries by high and low, rich and poor, as a convenient period for the interchange of delicate sentiments. In this country, for some few years past, it seems to have become more and more generally observed, and for some days previous to and after the 14th of February, our shop windows are profusely decorated with illustrated missiles suitable for aspiring swains and pretty damsels to spill ink upon, for those in whom they feel an interest. On the morning of St. Valentine's Day, extra postmen are always engaged at all of our large post-offices, and it is a busy time with the department for that and some subsequent days, to deliver the consequent missives, while all the pretty ladies in town are possessed of a most singular palpitation of the heart at each knock at the door. According to the theory of the day, the first person that a maid sees on the morning of the 14th inst., is to be her Valentine. St. Valentine's is a day of excitement among the young; and, much as they may endeavor to conceal their propensities, two thirds of the more advanced in life, not only call to remembrance the occurrences that are departed, but also have an inward longing for their renewal; and, however they may affect to despise it, there is not a more positive truth than that many even at threescore years would feel flattered by a missive sent in kindness of regard. From the first opening of dawn all the devotees of this tutelar divinity are anxious whom their Valentines shall be. With what coyness they approach the doors and windows; one look is all that is required; and, O, what sweet sensations or keen disappointments ensue, as it either is or is not the individual expected to be seen! What fluttering of the pulses as the postman advances! what hopes and fears alternately sway the desires for a written valentine, replete with tender expressions and soft inducements. Who can paint the feelings? We shall not try to do it.
Genuine Antique Print from 1854
Item Number: PRN032