Life — March 8, 1883 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine Cover Analysis This is the cover of Life magazine's first volume, Number 10, dated March 8, 1883. The elaborate decorative border frames a fantastical scene featuring mythological or allegorical figures—including what appears to be cherubs, classical figures, and a demon-like creature—arranged around large ornamental letters spelling "LIFE." The imagery suggests this was Life's early incarnation as a satirical publication emphasizing artistic and literary content rather than news. The classical and fantastical aesthetic reflects 1880s aesthetic movements. The publication details indicate it was issued weekly at ten cents per copy from the Life Office at 1155 Broadway, New York. Without additional context or legible text identifying specific political figures or current events referenced in the illustration, the precise satirical target remains unclear from this cover alone.