Life, 1883-05-17 · page 1 of 16
Life — May 17, 1883 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Life Magazine Cover Analysis (May 17, 1883) This is the cover of *Life* magazine's first volume, number 20, priced at ten cents. The elaborate title treatment features large decorative letters spelling "LIFE" with classical allegorical figures—cherubs and angels—positioned above a cityscape with a rising sun, suggesting dawn or new beginnings. The ornate border and floral medallion below exemplify Victorian design aesthetics popular in the 1880s. The magazine was published at 1155 Broadway in New York. The imagery emphasizes *Life*'s aspirations as a sophisticated publication combining artistic merit with satirical commentary on contemporary society. The classical, uplifting iconography suggests the magazine positioned itself as culturally refined and morally instructive—typical positioning for American satirical weeklies of the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
MAY 17, 1883. = Issued every "Thursday a “Ten Cents « Cony: Office - uss broadway — A) Entened at NYPost Office as Second Class Mail Matter~ 7 New Yor’ COPYRIGHT 1862, BY LAMITCHELL