From Your Valentine pillow sham

Virginia Jean Cox Mitchell, artist

1931–2023

From Your Valentine pillow sham, 1998

Where object was made: Lawrence, Kansas, United States

Material/technique: piecing; cotton; appliqué; stitching

Credit line: Gift of Virginia Jean Cox Mitchell and Bill

Accession number: 2013.0183

Not on display

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Exhibition Label:
"Personal Geometry: Quilts by Yoshiko Jinzenji and Virginia Jean Cox Mitchell," Feb-2014, Susan Earle and Cassandra Mesick
This quilted pillow sham portrays the legend of Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest who was imprisoned and martyred in 3rd-century Rome because of his faith. While in jail, Valentinus taught his blind daughter Julia arithmetic and theology. As a result of the faith that she developed, she prayed for sight and was able to see again. Valentinus sent her a note on the eve of his death signed, “From Your Valentine.” His death sentence was carried out on February 14, 270 C.E. The redbirds perched on the almond tree represent abiding love and mating for life. This valentine was drawn for the artist’s husband Bill on February 14, 1997.