Life — December 10, 1885 — page 31: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a full-page advertisement for Lundborg Perfumes from Life magazine. The illustration depicts a Victorian-era domestic scene: a well-dressed woman sits with a young girl, presenting her with a box of perfume as a Christmas gift. A man stands in the background, apparently approving of the selection. The advertisement lists five perfume varieties: Edenia, Alpine Violet, Lily of the Valley, Marechal Nel Rose, and one partially visible. The tagline reads: "Oh! Mama, here's your Christmas present from Papa—a lovely box of Lundborg Perfumes." This is not political satire but rather period advertising that reflects early 20th-century consumer culture and gender roles, positioning perfume as an appropriate luxury gift for women. The scene emphasizes refinement and domestic virtue.