Life, 1889-11-07 · page 7 of 16
Life — November 7, 1889 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This page contains two distinct sections: **"Blackmailing" cartoon** (lower left): A simple satirical sketch showing one figure apparently coercing another at what appears to be a mailbox. The caption "Blackmailing" suggests commentary on extortion or threats, though the specific target is unclear without additional context. **"Madame Modjeska" feature** (right): A photograph and biographical note about the actress Madame Modjeska, described as "irreplaceable as a woman and a woman who is unapproachable as an actress." The text praises her talents and notes she "joins her army of admirers in doffing the hat to gratis"—suggesting she performs charitable work. The remaining left-column items are brief satirical "line shots" (short jokes) on various topics. The overall page mixes theatrical promotion with light social satire typical of Life magazine's format.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
| A KY, CUSTOM. AY down in the State of Kentucky, Afar where the Cumberland rolls, The people select, The social elect, Serve Rye in the Fin- Ger Bowls, LINE SHOTS. WO FOR A SCENT— Stephanotis and Hunter's Point. A CAPITAL CRIME— Nepo- usm. Very SHowy—P. T. Bar- num, ON THE FENCE—The circus poster. A Famous QUOTATION— Western Union, 8534. In FOR IT—Ferdinand Ward. WHAT HO, BELLAMY! R. CAMBRIDGE: Miss Lakeside, have you ever read “ Looking Backward?” Miss LAKESIDE: No; I tried to once, but it gave mea crick in the neck. Sato. BLACKMAILING, LIFE’S GALLERY OF BEAUTIES, No. 27. AME MODJESKA, ERETOFO! menting on the eminent persons pictured in Lire’s Gallery of Beauties the pen of satire Las been freely used, but against Madame Modjeska it is powerless. She is an actress who is irryproachable as a woman anda woman who is unapproachable as an actress. Against a combinalioc => rare as this Lire has no weapons, and joins her army of admirers in doffing the hat to genius. comicbooks.com