Comic Valentine, "A Swell Head," circa 1855
Add to SetSummary
From the 1840s into the early 1900s, some people sent inexpensive Valentine's Day greetings that chided, warned, or insulted the recipient. An exaggerated, often garish cartoon and short verse described and dismissed someone's looks, intelligence, personality, or behavior. Within the atmosphere of a festive holiday, under the cover of humor, these "vinegar valentines" were acceptable critiques of behaviors that deviated from social norms.
From the 1840s into the early 1900s, some people sent inexpensive Valentine's Day greetings that chided, warned, or insulted the recipient. An exaggerated, often garish cartoon and short verse described and dismissed someone's looks, intelligence, personality, or behavior. Within the atmosphere of a festive holiday, under the cover of humor, these "vinegar valentines" were acceptable critiques of behaviors that deviated from social norms.
Artifact
Comic valentine
Date Made
circa 1855
Creators
Unknown
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
89.0.540.701
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 7.688 in
Width: 5.625 in
Inscriptions
printed on front: A SWELL HEAD. How could I even think, to wed A man who's always drunken, Who really has so large a head, It looks like a ripe pumpkin,
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