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

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine - "Autumn Scenes" Page This is a satirical composite illustration titled "Life: Autumn Scenes" signed by C. D. Gibson (a prominent Life cartoonist). The page depicts various leisure activities organized in circular vignettes: The top scene shows people boating, with a flag reading "Positively Our Last Appearance"—likely satirizing summer visitors departing as autumn arrives. The middle circle shows an elephant in what appears to be a barrel or enclosed space, suggesting confinement or restraint. The bottom scene depicts hunters or sportsmen in autumn hunting attire. The overall theme appears to mock seasonal recreational activities and the social rituals of autumn—particularly hunting season and the end of summer leisure for the wealthy classes. The "last appearance" flag suggests commentary on transient fashions or social habits.