Life — January 6, 1887 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This appears to be a satirical cartoon from Life magazine depicting a New Year's celebration scene. The central figure—a man lying on the ground clutching a money bag marked with a dollar sign—appears to represent financial hardship or economic struggle during what the visible text suggests is commentary on "all of us" facing difficult times. The well-dressed figures surrounding him in formal attire likely represent wealthy or privileged classes. The contrast between the prostrate figure's poverty and the elegant gathering above suggests social commentary on wealth inequality and economic disparity during what was probably a recession or depression era. The cartoon's satirical point: while some celebrate lavishly, ordinary people suffer financially. The "HAPPY NEW YEAR" sentiment is undermined by depicting economic struggle as the actual shared experience.