Life — March 12, 1885 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Fasting and Prayer" This satirical illustration depicts a religious procession or gathering at a cathedral, with the caption "Fasting and Prayer" suggesting commentary on religious observance and piety. The cartoon appears to contrast outward religious devotion with worldly concerns. A large figure dominates the upper right, while smaller figures below—including what appears to be opera-goers and fashionably dressed attendees—suggest that people profess religious observance while simultaneously indulging in secular entertainments and pleasures. The juxtaposition implies hypocrisy: the wealthy claim to practice self-denial and spiritual devotion while maintaining lavish social lives. The dollar sign visible in the lower left corner reinforces themes of materialism undermining genuine faith. This is typical Life magazine satire targeting the contradiction between professed religious values and actual behavior among the upper classes.