Life — December 19, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Cartoon Analysis: Life Magazine, December 19, 1890 This page from Life magazine contains two distinct cartoons. The top uses decorative letters spelling "LIFE" as part of an ornate header design. The main cartoon below, captioned "WHAT, EVEN HERE!" depicts a group of angels gathered beneath a dark cloud labeled "HALOS CHECKED HERE." The satire suggests that even heaven's sanctity is being invaded or corrupted by something worldly—the checked halos imply that even angels must temporarily surrender their moral purity. Without additional context, the specific target of this satire is unclear. It likely comments on a particular social scandal or hypocrisy prominent in 1890 America where corruption or vice was unexpectedly discovered in seemingly pure or sacred spaces, though the exact reference requires historical documentation.