I tend to pass over Victorian die cut creations in favor of hand-drawn ones, but this early Valentine., c. 1850s or so, feels as much the latter as the former, and I think is just wonderful. It appears to have been made for a Josie Millie __ (?) of Dayton Ohio, with her name written several times in pencil inside the heart constructed of many bits of die cut greenery and flowers. Then below, several lines of a poem, the first two of which one can easily make out "She is Queen of the Evening, Queen of as all / and we blind slaves fall at her feet..." And indeed, our beauty above--with one arm raised (in power!) and star studded golden netting overlaying her dress--looks like a queen of hearts to me!
8 5/8" x 6 5/8" framed, as found, in a lovely period frame that I think suits it just right. Sight" 6 3/4" x 4 3/4". Some scattered stains/light toning as there should be, and two darker spots on her chest and around the rose at her feet, which I personally find enhancing rather than detracting.