Life — October 18, 1888 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a satirical cartoon with the caption "BELIEF HERE'S NO SUCH A PERSON." A portly man sits in a chair holding a portrait labeled "MRS. HARRISON," while a small demon or imp-like creature crouches at his feet, grinning mischievously. The cartoon likely satirizes skepticism or denial regarding the existence of "Mrs. Harrison"—possibly referencing a specific contemporary figure or public scandal from Life magazine's era. The demon suggests duplicity or hidden truth. The man's dismissive gesture while holding her portrait creates the ironic joke: he claims she doesn't exist while literally displaying evidence of her. Without the publication date, identifying which Mrs. Harrison is referenced remains unclear, though the satire clearly mocks someone's unconvincing denial of a person's existence or legitimacy.