Life — April 8, 1897 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1897 Life magazine cartoon depicts a classical allegorical scene: an adult female figure (likely representing Liberty or Justice) wielding a sword alongside two cherubs, pursuing what appears to be a goat and a small devil-like creature. The "SUPER" and "ER" text visible at top suggests fragmented words, possibly indicating editorial content about "superfluous" matters or similar criticism. The imagery employs typical 19th-century satirical conventions—virtuous feminine allegorical figures battling evil or vice. Without clearer text identifying specific contemporary targets, the exact political reference remains unclear, though the composition suggests commentary on moral or political struggle of the 1890s era. The artist is credited as "Ode Cushing" (visible signature). The cartoon's specific satirical point—what corruption, folly, or vice is being attacked—cannot be definitively determined from the visible image alone.