Life — June 21, 1883 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Wily Farmer Is at His Old Tricks" This political cartoon depicts a demonic or devil-like figure at the center of a web-like structure, surrounded by various commercial products and urban scenes. The central figure wears a hat and has exaggerated, menacing features characteristic of turn-of-the-century caricature. The web radiates outward with labels including "contentment," "everything," and references to goods like milk, spice, and butter. Two well-dressed men appear to be caught or struggling within this web structure, suggesting they're trapped by commercial schemes. The title suggests this depicts farmers using deceptive tactics, likely satirizing agricultural fraud, market manipulation, or monopolistic practices common during the early 20th century. The "wily farmer" appears portrayed as a devilish manipulator controlling commerce and trapping consumers through his schemes.