Judge — February 15, 1913 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration from *Judge* magazine (February 15, 1913) uses Egyptian imagery to comment on romantic relationships and courtship customs. The upper panel depicts ancient Egyptian figures in a tomb or palace setting, while the lower panel shows modern observers—a couple—viewing this historical scene. The satire appears to be comparing ancient Egyptian romance and domestic life to contemporary American courtship. By framing modern love through the lens of "ancient history," the cartoon suggests that fundamental romantic dynamics between men and women remain unchanged across millennia, despite surface differences in culture and time period. The title indicates this is meant as humorous social commentary on timeless human nature.