By the 1870's, influenced by trends in popular Christmas cards, the fashion in Valentine cards shifted away from the delicate lace themes to a more pictorial look.

Included here are two examples of shaped pictorial cards, as well as one of a popular 1877 series featuring children and scrolls. The card at the bottom of the page features a bouquet of roses. Each rose can be folded down to show a wish for the recipient. One wish, Prosperity, is visible in the picture, revealed by a missing rose.

Next: Kate Greenaway

Victorian Valentine Cards Home