Judge — July 22, 1922 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a satirical cartoon by S. Werner depicting an artist (likely a sculptor) with pretensions of creating enduring work. The figure reclining on the floor appears to be critiquing the standing artist's ambitions. The joke plays on the literal phrase "leave footsteps on the sands of time"—a metaphor meaning to make a lasting impact. The seated figure mocks this aspiration by pointing out the artist is literally walking backward, making the comment absurd and humorous. The satire targets artistic pretension: the grandiose sculptor's lofty claims about legacy are undercut by the absurd image of backward movement, suggesting the artist's methods are counterproductive or foolish. The "my dear" suggests condescension toward such inflated artistic ego.