Judge — December 18, 1897 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cartoon This is a **wine advertisement** disguised as satire, created by artist McMorgan for Pleasant Valley Wine Company's "Great Western" champagne brand. The image depicts cherubic figures (Neptune's children) in water surrounding a large champagne bottle, with light rays emanating from above. The caption claims "Neptune's children know a good thing when they see it," presenting the wine as universally recognized quality. The satire is minimal—essentially the joke is that even mythological sea creatures would appreciate this American champagne. This represents late 19th/early 20th-century advertising strategy: placing commercial messages within Judge's satirical format to reach affluent readers. The "Great Western" branding suggests competing with European champagne imports through nationalist appeal.