C. 1840s Paper Lace Valentine with Watercolored Flowers in Period Lemon Gold Frame naive carving let alone an American one

let alone an American one

just as found

Mended one: 7 5/8" l x  3 3/16" t

Though the subject seems perhaps to have been a somewhat reluctant model--eyes apparently closed

I'd guess this piece dates to the mid 20th century

C. 1840s Paper Lace Valentine with Watercolored Flowers in Period Lemon Gold Frame naive carving let alone an American oneIt's always the season for a good valentine, but now its almost the specific season too and this is a very lovely one, paper lace with watercolor flowers in the perfect lemon gold period frame. C. 1840s. I think likely produced by H. Dobbs & Co., London, a renowned producer of valentines in this manner. Better than any box of chocolates and much more enduring! 6 5 8" x 4 7 8" framed, as found, under glass, in lovely lemon gold period frame. Beautiful