Judge — April 4, 1931 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "In Ancient Times: Ye Sprynge Cleanynge" This Judge cartoon satirizes spring cleaning through a medieval/ancient setting. The elaborate scene depicts workers engaged in vigorous cleaning activities within a castle or cathedral-like structure—scrubbing, climbing ladders, hauling equipment, and disposing of debris. The satire appears to mock the chaotic, labor-intensive nature of spring cleaning as a seasonal ritual. By placing this thoroughly modern domestic chore in "ancient times," the artist suggests that spring cleaning is an age-old, almost primitive obligation that requires armies of workers and creates considerable upheaval. The signed artwork (appears to be by "Forbel" or similar) uses anachronistic humor—treating a contemporary household task as if it were a historical architectural undertaking. The joke likely resonates with readers who experienced spring cleaning's disruptive demands.