Judge — July 16, 1921 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Challenge" — Judge Magazine, July 16, 1921 This cartoon by Penry Barlow depicts a small dog confronting a circus wagon bearing large cat imagery. The title "The Challenge" suggests a David-versus-Goliath confrontation. The specific meaning is unclear without additional context from the 1921 issue. However, the circus setting and animal imagery likely represent competing commercial or political entities—possibly involving the Ringling Bros. circus (a dominant force in American entertainment) versus a smaller rival enterprise. The dog could symbolize an underdog challenger or upstart competitor. The cartoon satirizes the disparity in power or resources between the antagonists, with the small dog's bold stance against the much larger, established operation being presented as either brave or foolhardy—a common Judge magazine theme about American business competition and ambition.