Life — April 7, 1887 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine Easter Number, April 7, 1887 This is the cover of Life's Easter special issue. The central illustration depicts a young woman in classical dress catching Easter eggs in her skirt, surrounded by decorative floral borders (lilies and other spring flowers). Below, there's a section titled "The Decorative Craze" showing a ballet dancer performing. The satirical commentary appears directed at aesthetic trends of the 1880s—specifically the decorative and artistic movements that emphasized ornamental beauty over practical function. The juxtaposition of classical/artistic imagery with Easter imagery suggests Life is gently mocking the era's obsession with refined, decorative aesthetics even in holiday observances. The specific caricatures and social figures are unclear from this cover alone, but the overall tone is light Easter-themed satire typical of the period's approach to seasonal issues.