Judge — November 1, 1913 — page 24: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a **tobacco advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes Velvet brand tobacco (2 oz. tin for 10¢) by Liggett & Myers Tobacco Co. The image shows a well-dressed man and woman examining what appears to be a framed drawing or advertisement featuring two intertwined snakes forming heart shapes—likely representing the product's appeal to romance or intimacy. The ad copy emphasizes Velvet as "the smoothest tobacco," combining Burley leaf with "rich flavor" and "satisfying smoothness." The romantic imagery and couple gazing at the hearts suggest the advertiser is marketing tobacco as a sophisticated, desirable product associated with romance and refined taste. This reflects early 20th-century advertising strategies that linked consumer goods to aspirational lifestyles and emotions.