(First photo is a composite showing both sides, exterior and interior.)
I've been thinking that my life's work might be to collect and document as many hand-drawn valentines as I can. In part because I love them deeply, and also because, I have discovered over the last number of years of posting selections of them on valentine's day, they seem to make most everyone happy. And I really like that small, humble things, mostly made by children and easily thrown away, should be the ones that bring the greatest pleasure now. And so, a mission!
Anyway, I purchased this one from a great Pennsylvania dealer who shares my love for these sorts of things. I was sold on it without even opening it, so then a delight to discover this joyful pot of blooming flowers and what feels like a pear tree with pears growing upside down/skyward on the opposite side! A little loss and toning around the tear, but such a charmer still. From Pauline Lucas to Harold Dadisman, lucky boy. (I found a Pauline Lucas of Washington, PA born 1900 and a Dadisman family there too so think that is them, which would put this valentine c. 1910 or so; seems right.)
3 1/4" w x 3 1/8" t. Crayon on lightly ribbed (laid) paper. Edge loss and toning as evident, but drawings strong and wonderful.
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