Life — December 27, 1883 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine, December 27, 1883 This page shows a New Year's themed cartoon titled "January First" with the caption "Was ever Woman in this Humor wooed?" The illustration depicts cherubs and cupids in an interior scene, apparently celebrating the New Year. The composition suggests romantic or amorous activity—fitting given the caption's literary reference (likely Shakespeare) questioning whether a woman was ever courted in such a playful state. The left margin features Life magazine's decorative masthead with classical medallions. The cartoon appears to be gentle satire about New Year's celebrations and romantic pursuits among the social set, using classical allegorical figures (cupids) to comment humorously on courtship customs. The exact social commentary remains somewhat unclear without additional context about 1883 New York society.