Life, 1883-03-22 · page 9 of 16
Life — March 22, 1883 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Conspicuous Closeness" This political cartoon satirizes Mr. Knickerbocker's public displays of affection with a woman, depicted as the Statue of Liberty. The figure of Liberty dominates the composition, while the tiny Knickerbocker sits perched on her shoulder, gazing at her with "longing glances." The satire mocks his obvious romantic interest, with an impatient public demanding he cease this behavior ("Down with the dust, or down in it!"). The cartoon critiques what appears to be scandal or inappropriate public conduct by a prominent figure named Knickerbocker. The juxtaposition of his small human scale against Liberty's monumental size emphasizes the absurdity or audacity of his attachment to an idealized national symbol.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
- LIFE: 139 CONSPICUOUS CLOSENESS. Mr. Knickerbocker (who looks at her with longing glances) to himself: So DEAR: SO VERY DEAR. An Impatient Public to Mr. Knickerbocker: Come, CoME, sin! Down WITH THE DUST, OR DOWN IN IT! : comicbooks.com