Life — January 1, 1885 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine (page 11) contains a single sketch titled "A New England Merchant in the Olden Time." The cartoon depicts what appears to be a colonial or early American merchant scene, shown upside-down in the reproduction. The sketch illustrates period figures in historical dress, likely satirizing New England merchant practices or attitudes from earlier American history. Without being able to read the caption clearly due to the image orientation and OCR errors, the specific satirical point is difficult to determine with certainty. The style suggests social commentary on mercantile behavior, possibly wealth accumulation, trade practices, or character types associated with early American commerce. The pen-and-ink drawing style is typical of *Life*'s editorial cartoons from the early-to-mid 20th century.