Life — May 31, 1883 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine, May 31, 1883 This is the cover/title page for Life magazine's first volume, number 22. The large decorative letters "LIFE" dominate the center, framed by elaborate Victorian-era illustrations featuring cherubs, classical figures, and allegorical imagery—typical of 1880s aesthetic design. The specific satirical content of this particular issue is unclear from this page alone, as it primarily serves as a title/masthead. The ornamental border and classical imagery reflect the magazine's positioning as sophisticated humor for educated readers. Published at 1155 Broadway in New York, Life sold for ten cents per copy and appeared weekly on Thursdays. This appears to be an early issue from the magazine's first volume.