Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case GG, Shelf 67

The Barometer of Love

Valentine
ca. 1845 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Valentine's card, depicting a 'Barometer of Love' in which the thermometer goes from 'Esteem' to 'Friendship' to 'Love' to 'Enrapture, Unity and Bliss'. The barometer is collaged from scraps of paper and foiled paper, and is surrounded by a wreath of brightly coloured flowers made from printed or painted scraps. The card has a background of paper lace.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Barometer of Love (generic title)
Materials and techniques
paper lace, collage and pen and ink
Brief description
Valentine, 'Barometer of Love', paper lace, collage and pen and ink, British, ca. 1845
Physical description
Valentine's card, depicting a 'Barometer of Love' in which the thermometer goes from 'Esteem' to 'Friendship' to 'Love' to 'Enrapture, Unity and Bliss'. The barometer is collaged from scraps of paper and foiled paper, and is surrounded by a wreath of brightly coloured flowers made from printed or painted scraps. The card has a background of paper lace.
DimensionsNo dimensions given in Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930.
Marks and inscriptions
  • Dobbs (stamped on paper lace)
  • My spirit hath an atmosphere / That's ruled by Thee alone / 'Tis ever sunshine when thou't near / And cloudiness when gone! (Lettered in shell at top of card)
  • Changeable - Never / Set Fair - Never to be separated / Sunny - within the radiance of your smiles / Cloudy - Absent from the one I love (Lettered around dial at bottom of barometer)
Credit line
Given by Miss Jane Samuels
Subjects depicted
Association
Bibliographic reference
Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930.
Collection
Accession number
E.1552-1929

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest