Judge, 1898-12-24 · page 12 of 30
Judge — December 24, 1898 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a photograph of actress **Maude Adams** in the role of Lady Babbie from the play *The Little Minister*, surrounded by decorative illustrations and an accompanying poem. The caption identifies this as "The Favorite of 'Judge's Favorites'"—meaning *Judge* magazine's readers voted this their preferred theatrical image. The romantic poem beneath celebrates the character as an ethereal, dreamy figure who seeks embodiment in real form through the actress's portrayal. The decorative borders contain whimsical pen-and-ink illustrations in the Art Nouveau style typical of *Judge's* design aesthetic, featuring figures in fashionable dress and floral motifs. This appears to be **not satire but celebration**—a genuine tribute to a popular actress and performance, showcasing *Judge's* role as a cultural arbititer of American theatrical taste in the early 20th century. The page demonstrates the magazine's blend of humor, illustrated commentary, and entertainment coverage.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
HE wes a spirit of the wind and dew, Sunshine and eerie moonlight blent together, And all that’s wild and sweet in April weather ; that in the forest grew ; , when the bird was lost to view, Its music falling lightly as a feather ; A faery shadow, flitting o'er the heather :— She was a dream, that only Fancy knew. ‘The spirit Lady Babbie sought the real, + She fain would be embodied, beauteous, warm. Where but in you, blithe Maude, could such ideal Her other self unite with, and in form ‘To be this flower of womanhood full-blown? So comes she—are you not ?—our very own, MENRY TYRRELL THE FAVORITE OF “ JUDGE'S FAVORITES.” Lady Babbie as Maude Adams in'' The Little Minister.” comicbooks.com