Judge — November 1, 1924 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cover satirizes the public's fascination with astronomy during the 1920s, likely referencing contemporary telescope observations or astronomical discoveries. The cartoon depicts two men operating a telescope to "have a look at VENUS 10¢"—presenting stargazing as a commercial novelty, like a street-side peepshow attraction. The satire works on multiple levels: it mocks both the sensationalization of scientific interest and the opportunistic monetization of public curiosity. The figure operating the telescope appears to be a con-artist or carnival barker type, suggesting the "scientific" observation is actually a financial scheme. The phrase "Have a look at VENUS" carries an additional double meaning—Venus being associated with romance and sexuality—adding ribald humor typical of Judge magazine's satirical style.