Life — July 5, 1888 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page presents a satirical illustration by Albert Sterner featuring a romantic verse attributed to Harold Van Sarsfield. The poem addresses "Sweet Marjorie," praising her beauty and warning a character named Cyrille against romantic entanglement with her, suggesting she'll abandon him by tomorrow. The illustration depicts an theatrical scene: elegantly dressed figures observe from above (including what appears to be a woman labeled "Coquette Marjorie"), while below, a group of working-class or bohemian characters sit together. The contrast between upper and lower figures suggests social class commentary—the beautiful, capricious "Marjorie" of high society contrasted against ordinary people below. The satire targets romantic idealization and the fickle nature of society women, a common Life magazine theme mocking upper-class affectation and superficiality.