Judge — February 17, 1917 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily an **advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. It promotes Columbia Grafonola phonographs by advertising their recording of Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly." The ad features an illustration of elegantly dressed figures with Japanese parasols, referencing the opera's Asian setting. The text emphasizes how the phonograph brings opera's "enchantment" and "splendor" into the home, targeting affluent buyers who could afford the $15-$350 price range (substantial sums in the early 20th century). The appeal is to cultural aspirations—owning both the opera recording and the "greatest of musical instruments" signals refined taste and wealth. The "Note the tone" logo emphasizes sound quality as a selling point for this emerging consumer technology.