Judge — September 22, 1917 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cover illustration by James Montgomery Flagg is titled "Doing His Bit," referencing American participation in World War I (entered April 1917). The cartoon depicts a man seated while a woman hands him what appears to be knitting or yarn work. The satire mocks the domestic contribution to the war effort—civilians, particularly men unable to serve in combat, were encouraged to participate in knitting circles and other "home front" activities to support troops. The humor lies in portraying this sedentary, domestic task as a soldier's patriotic duty, gently ridiculing both the activity's modest impact and perhaps the masculinity involved in such work during wartime.