Judge — January 3, 1925 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon by Art Graff depicts economic recovery or increased activity through sequential panels showing a figure gradually becoming more energetic and successful. The title "Business Is Picking Up" is the explicit joke. The narrative progresses from the figure appearing dejected or struggling (top panels) to increasingly active, eventually shown hauling goods, managing workers, and operating a profitable enterprise (bottom panels). The final scenes show bustling commercial activity with crowds and what appears to be successful trade. The cartoon likely comments on American economic conditions, possibly referencing post-recession recovery or improved business conditions during the period Judge published. Without a visible date, the specific economic moment is unclear, but the visual metaphor—"picking up" literally and figuratively—conveys optimism about commercial revival.