Life, 1887-09-29 · page 16 of 16
Life — September 29, 1887 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement**, not political satire. The page features Pears' Soap's endorsement strategy, common in late 19th-century marketing. The central image shows a well-dressed woman (identity unclear from the text alone) testifying to the soap's benefits for "hands and complexion." Two signatures appear—one identifying the endorser as someone named "Lillie Langtry" (visible in the image), a famous British actress of the era known for her beauty and celebrity status. Below, another testimonial (signed "M. Pattmore," unclear who this is) praises the soap for preserving complexion and softening skin. **The satire angle**: Rather than mocking Pears', *Life* magazine likely ran this ad because celebrity endorsements themselves were becoming a subject of ridicule—the idea that famous people would publicly endorse consumer products was a newer, somewhat absurd marketing tactic worth satirizing to readers. The page is otherwise filled with period advertisements for champagne, spring water, tailoring services, and beauty treatments.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
[Sepr. 29, 1887. SANG WH PUREST NATURAL WATER Healthful cooling and Refreshing. Preventive of Bright’s Disease. For Sale by all Druggists and Grocers. SEND FOR CIRCULARS. THE UNDE Rw OOD CO. VERAL OFFICE, 18 VE EW YORK. DE en EXTRA DR Y and Procurable Everywhere. We offer the DELBECK CHAMPAGNES with a full conviction that there are no better wines imported, WE EXCEPT NONE. E. LAMONTAGNE & SONS, 83, 65 nnil 87 Nenver Street | Ast Binvkk POK BINDING -LIFE- Cheap. Strong and Durable, Will hold 2% numbers, Mailed to any part of the United States for $1. Address lice WIFE oR Woon St NOV, Wrinkles, Black-fends, Y Bee: Freckles, Fittings Wes Sd “Superflaocs a “Comics pp ‘teautified. The Form developed Wee ms end Lashes colored and re ‘and (testimonials , 240 W. 220 Sts Ne 8, City Correspondence confidential, Mention thit paper 409A o[quanoerg The best for the Complexion. A *‘balm for the Skin.” The most economical ; tt wears to thinness of a wafer. Pears’ Soap ts sold in every City in the World. CAVANAGH, SANDFORD & C0., MERCHANT TAILORS AND IMPORTERS, 16 W. 23d St., opp. Sth Ave. Hotel, . —NEW YORK — ME LE mss Mark cnace -ExT#A BOY | Rooseverr ay Hower sea BEAVER sen. v8 TOR Ladies’ Tailor-made Suits, Riding Habits, Ulsters, Jackets, etc., a Specialty. © comicbooks.com