Life — December 22, 1887 — page 18: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily a **advertising page** from Life magazine (December 22, 1883), not a political cartoon. It contains multiple product advertisements typical of the era: **Notable ads include:** - **Remington Standard Typewriter** - a new technology being marketed with a satisfaction guarantee - **Pears' Soap** - featuring a famous painting "Bubbles" by Sir John Millais (purchased for $11,000), endorsed by actress Mrs. Langtry, a celebrity of the period - **Delbeck Champagne** - positioning itself as superior imported wine - **Cavanagh, Sandford & Co.** - merchant tailors offering ladies' custom clothing - **Runkel's Cocoa** - a beverage product The page reflects **late 19th-century consumer culture**: manufacturers were beginning to use celebrity endorsements, famous artwork, and aggressive marketing claims. The typewriter's 30-day return policy represents early consumer protection marketing, while the high price paid for the Millais painting ($11,000) demonstrates how brands leveraged fine art for prestige.