The music teacher holds a piece of music and has her mouth open wide for singing. The sender mocks the recipient's appearance while performing., Text: You play and sign with exquisite skill, / And practice arts intended to "kill;" / Yet such expressions give to your face, / The effect is lost by lack of grace., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
The valentine shows a racist image of an African American man playing a banjo. The valentine praises his music, but mocks his appearance and racial background., Text: Your notes of instrument and voice / Are the sweetest I've e'er heard, / And with your shape would make me judge / In truth, you were a black-bird., Provenance: McAllister, John A. (John Allister), 1822-1896, collector.
