Monday, May 7, 2007

Puzzle Valentines [circa 19th century]


This wonderful gem titled "The Old Fancy" is by Jessie Shepherd, composed in 1888*. The artwork's medium is pen and ink. The positioning of the text is called "puzzle poetry". This is the verse and the key for reading.

"I am in love as thou mayst see, I love but one and that is thee. Read down and up and thou shall't find the way to read thy valentine."


*Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Reading Room, Rights and Restrictions Information:
Publication and other forms of distribution: All information documented by P&P staff regarding publication and/or copyright claimants has been recorded in the catalog record.Published works copyrighted prior to 1923 are in the public domain. Published works copyrighted after 1923 that are still in their original or renewal term of copyright are protected for 95 years from the copyright date. Unpublished works may be protected by copyright for the life of the creator plus 70 years or until the year 2002, whichever is longer.