Life — February 14, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine Valentine's Day Issue, February 14, 1889 This is a Valentine's Day cover illustration for Life magazine's satirical "Life Valentine" feature. The central image shows a mirror or frame containing two profile portraits of figures from 1889, flanked by cherubs and decorative flourishes typical of Victorian valentine imagery. The cartoon appears to satirize prominent public figures of that era through the valentine format—a common way 19th-century satirical magazines mocked politicians and celebrities. The dates visible (1839, 1889) suggest commentary on 50-year retrospectives or generational comparisons. Without being able to definitively identify the specific individuals depicted, this represents Life magazine's practice of using sentimental holiday imagery to deliver political or social satire—transforming the traditionally romantic valentine into a vehicle for mockery.