Comic Valentine, "A Political Scamp," circa 1890
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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 1890
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
86.9.32.18
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 9.75 in
Width: 7.25 in
Inscriptions
printed on front: A POLITICAL SCAMP. You'd pose as a statesman, you swaggering tough, And try hard to awe us with bunkum and bluff; Of political principles, you talk quite glib, But all that you're after is the Public Crib; You can stuff ballot-boxes, or pack a caucus, But into believing you honest, you never could talk us.
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