by Delaynna Trim, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Curator of Collections
Valentine’s Day began as the feast day for St. Valentine. The feast of St. Valentine was set on February 14 in 496 by Pope Gelasius I. St. Valentine is the patron saint of epilepsy and beekeepers.
It is hard to determine the facts surrounding the real St. Valentine. There are potentially two different people associated with the name. However, most agree that St. Valentine was martyred and buried at the Via Flaminia, north of Rome. One St. Valentine was a former bishop of Terni; the other was a priest in Rome. Both men were beheaded on February 14 - the priest in 268, the bishop in 273.
There are many stories associated with St. Valentine. In one story, Judge Asterius pledged to do anything for Valentine if he would heal his blind daughter. Valentine healed the girl’s eyes so she could see. In return, Judge Asterius was baptized along with his entire household and he released the Christian prisoners under his care.
Another story is that Valentine secretly married Christian couples which was outlawed under Claudius II. This connection to love and marriage along with the Medieval idea that birds paired together around mid-February might be where the romantic elements became associated with St. Valentine’s Day.
While the MGMoA does have several saints on display (St. Sebastian, St. Catherine, and many more), they do not have a painting of St. Valentine.
However, on exhibit is a painting by Jean Leon Gerome of a Troubadour. Do you sing to your friends, family, or romantic partner? A troubadour traveled around France and North Italy singing, mainly in the 11-13th centuries. They often sang love songs and other popular, secular (non-religious) songs. They sang in the vernacular or the common language most people spoke, not Latin or other more elite languages. Think of them as the pop stars of the day!
This troubadour is playing a stringed instrument called a lute. Early forms of lutes can be found in Ancient Egypt, Pakistan, Ancient Greece, Persia and Babylonia.
Make Your Own Valentine
The great thing about Valentines is that they are simple to make and you can make one for your friends, family, or even your pet!
All you need is paper (red or pink is popular), markers or crayons, and maybe a pair of scissors if you want to cut your paper in the shape of a heart.
Fold the paper in half.
Draw a design on the front.
In the inside, write your message.
If you feel very creative, you can even make a pop-up card!
For more ideas, visit www.mgmoa.org/art-projects/
