
Victorian Christmas Greeting Card with Steamship & Handshake
Text on Card
Should auld acquaintance be for got. wishing you a Happy Christmas
Description
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot" reads the card's poignant message, referencing the Scottish poem that inspired "Auld Lang Syne" and evoking reconnection during the holiday season. This stunning Victorian-era Christmas greeting combines maritime imagery with romantic sentiment in a composition featuring a dramatic red steamship cutting through turbulent seas, symbolizing journey and connection, positioned above a tender handshake framed by lush botanical elements. The lower section showcases beautifully hand-colored roses in deep red and soft pink, interspersed with delicate ferns and white blossoms, creating an ornate floral frame around the clasped hands. This piece exemplifies the Victorian fascination with combining allegory, nature, and technology in decorative greeting cards.
Subjects
steamship, handshake, roses, ferns, maritime, friendship
Printing Notes
Hand-colored lithograph with metallic embellishments. Reference number 947 W visible at bottom left. Published by Seagles Postcards.







