Life — April 24, 1884 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This illustration, titled "Custom of the Gilded Youth," depicts members of the *Jeunesse Dorée* (literally "gilded youth")—a French term for wealthy, fashionable young aristocrats or upper-class socialites. The caption indicates these figures are shown "scattered about the room in characteristic attitudes," suggesting the satire mocks their affected poses and mannerisms. The scene shows an elegant interior with a chandelier and doorway, populated by elegantly dressed women in evening gowns and men in formal wear. The satire appears to ridicule the pretentious, idle behavior and exaggerated refinement of this wealthy social class, portraying them as superficial and self-absorbed. The engraving style suggests this is 19th-century social commentary on class and fashion.