Life — March 4, 1886 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is rotated 90 degrees, showing a satirical illustration titled "OUR SEARCH FOR THAT TEMPLE OF KURDUM" (visible on the right margin). The image appears to be a chaotic interior scene rendered in black ink, depicting multiple figures in various states of activity or distress within what looks like a building or temple structure. The text references a "Temple of Kurdum," suggesting this is political satire mocking some contemporary search or expedition—likely referring to a real historical event or political pursuit from Life magazine's era. However, without being able to clearly identify specific figures or read all accompanying caption text, I cannot definitively explain which political figures or events are being satirized or what "Kurdum" represents. The dense, frantic illustration style suggests absurdity or chaos as the satirical point.