Chapter 18: Fifteenth-Century Art in Northern Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula

After reading Chapter 18, Art in Northern Europe and the Iberian Pennisula, I'm reminded and yet at the same time, astounded, of how Flemish Artists during the Renaissance period employed hidden and disguised religious symbolisms in their artwork, and how many of these symbolisms still pervade today. Take Valentine’s Day, for example, this holiday held some significance during the Medieval period and the English Renaissance: Using the language of the law courts for the rituals of courtly love, a "High Court of Love" was established in Paris on Valentine's Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts, betrayals, and violence against women. Judges were selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.[23][24]The earliest surviving valentine is a fifteenth-century rondeau written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his "valentined" wife, which commences:

Je suis desja d'amour tanné
Ma tres doulce Valentinée…
(Charles d'Orléans, Rondeau VI, lines 1–2).

For Christians, there were numerous early martyrs who were named Valentine; although they were not linked to romance. I believe there was even one priest, however, who secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men since the Roman Emperor who was trying to grow his army, believed married men did not make for good soldiers. Crazy, huh? Today, Valentine's Day is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas!!!
While symbolisms can have a significant impact and carry its strength/power century after century, they can get overused, muddied, water down….. Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Today present our loved ones with a box of chocolates (heart-shaped box?), or with a note or card—and with the obligatory over-priced red roses, perhaps even diamonds--I'm sure there'll be many a guy down on their knees "popping the question"! Children are even getting into the picture--they exchange Princess or Diego Valentines Cards and candy to their classmates. To ease my sugar concerns, my 4 ½ yr old daughter will be sharing mini cans of play-do as a substitue for the customary candy or cards. Victorian hand-made lacy cards have given way to hand written notes which have given way to mass produced greeting cards—or better yet, stop at your local Hallmark gift store and pick up a TALKING greeting card! What's next?