Description
A rare and beautifully preserved Victorian satin Valentine, softly padded and designed for hanging, featuring a romantic pastoral courting scene and produced by the celebrated firm Raphael Tuck & Sons. A refined survivor from the golden age of Valentine artistry.
This exquisite antique Valentine dates to the late Victorian to early Edwardian period, circa 1895–1905, and was produced by the renowned publishers Raphael Tuck & Sons, long recognized as leaders in fine art Valentines and luxury paper goods.
Crafted in ivory-toned satin and softly padded, this Valentine was clearly intended as a keepsake rather than a disposable greeting. The surface displays a romantic pastoral courting scene inspired by 18th-century fête galante imagery, delicately rendered in warm, harmonious tones. Beneath the scene appears the graceful inscription “Valentine Greeting,” scripted with elegant restraint.
The piece is finished with a silk ribbon hanger, allowing it to be displayed on a wall, door, or mirror — a feature that significantly enhances both charm and collectability. The lower edge is cut in a decorative banner form, giving the Valentine a sculptural presence seldom found in surviving examples.
On the reverse, the embossed Raphael Tuck & Sons mark is clearly visible, including the “Artistic Series” designation and trade mark — a hallmark immediately recognized by collectors.
Size 9-1/2″ long at the center front x 6-1/4″ wide. Thickness about 1/4″. Satin fabric front with thick board backing.
Provenance:
This Valentine comes from a long-held private collection in the Buffalo, New York area, acquired over decades from dear friends and preserved with care. At the turn of the 20th century, Buffalo was a notably affluent and culturally sophisticated city, home to households with ready access to the finest decorative and sentimental goods of the period — a context that aligns beautifully with the quality and survival of this piece.
Condition:
Very good antique condition. The satin retains a pleasing sheen with gentle, age-appropriate toning and light surface wear consistent with over a century of careful survival. The ribbon hanger remains intact. No major losses or damage observed. Please review photographs for details.
A rare textile Valentine well suited for:
Antique Valentine and ephemera collectors
Victorian-era decorative displays
Romantic interior styling
Authentic seasonal February decoration
A truly special and increasingly scarce survivor from the height of Victorian Valentine craftsmanship.
