Judge — September 4, 1920 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This *Judge* magazine cover from September 4, 1920 presents a satirical illustration titled "A Colored Gentleman" by Richard Culter. The subtitle—"The Story of a Male Moth Who Fluttered His Way Right Into Feminine Affections"—uses insect metaphor as a thin veil for commentary on race and attraction. The image depicts three figures in a bicycle rickshaw: a woman in the center appears receptive to attention from two men (one seated beside her, one standing behind). The "colored gentleman" reference and the "moth" metaphor suggest the cartoon satirizes interracial romantic or social interactions, reflecting the racist attitudes prevalent in 1920s American media. The humor relies on dehumanizing caricature typical of that era's deeply prejudiced publication standards.