Saint Valentine's Day—The Old Story in All Lands

Saint Valentine's Day—The Old Story in All Lands is a compelling wood engraving on paper created by Winslow Homer (American, 1836-1910) and published in 1868 in the widely circulated periodical Harper's Weekly. Classified as a print, this illustration provided a visual commentary on the cultural rituals surrounding Valentine's Day during the post-Civil War era in the United States. Homer was highly sought after for his ability to capture detailed scenes of American life, often creating compositions that resonate with universal themes while speaking directly to contemporary social customs.

The title suggests a broad, perhaps multi-panel, depiction of romance, flirtation, and affection spanning different global settings or social classes, emphasizing the enduring nature of love across cultures ("The Old Story in All Lands"). Homer masterfully utilizes the technical demands of the wood engraving medium, relying on sharp contrasts and meticulous line work to translate his vision into an image suitable for rapid mass production. These accessible prints were instrumental in shaping visual culture, ensuring that his artistic output reached millions of readers.

As illustrated magazines gained prominence, works by artists like Homer became vital records of the period. His extensive output of prints continues to be studied for its narrative complexity and historical context, with many of these nineteenth-century engravings now existing within the public domain. This significant example of American graphic art from 1868 is housed in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, underscoring Homer’s pivotal legacy as both an acclaimed painter and a foundational journalistic illustrator.