Judge — August 27, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Rainbow of Freedom" — Judge Magazine, August 27, 1898 This cover illustration depicts soldiers or military figures emerging from or entering a tunnel beneath an American rainbow. The composition suggests a patriotic narrative about freedom achieved through military action. Given the 1898 date, this likely references the Spanish-American War, which concluded that year. The soldiers appear to be emerging victorious, with the rainbow symbolizing hope or promise following conflict. The imagery suggests American expansion or intervention is presented as liberating—though the satirical nature of Judge magazine means this could be ironic commentary on American imperialism rather than straightforward patriotism. The text "THE RAINBOW OF FREEDOM" reinforces the patriotic framing, though without additional context, whether Judge endorses or critiques this military expansion remains unclear from the image alone.