Judge — October 28, 1905 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes gender preferences in flowers. The caption reads: **He:** "I do love cherry-blossoms." **She:** "I think I prefer orange-blossoms." The humor lies in a contemporary social observation: while the man expresses aesthetic appreciation for cherry blossoms, the woman's preference for orange blossoms carries matrimonial significance. Orange blossoms were traditionally associated with weddings and bridal wear in this era, symbolizing fertility and marriage. The cartoon gently mocks the difference between male and female romantic priorities—the man admires flowers for their beauty alone, while the woman's stated preference implies her deeper interest in marriage itself. The formal attire and gallery setting suggest cultured society, making the joke about divergent romantic motivations among the educated classes.