Life — April 14, 1898 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Easter Sunday in New York This appears to be a Life magazine photograph or illustration titled "Easter Sunday in New York" (visible at bottom right). It depicts a street scene with people in elaborate period costume—likely 17th-century Dutch or Elizabethan-era dress, based on the distinctive white collars, dark clothing, and ornate fabrics visible. The image satirizes Easter parade traditions in New York, where wealthy citizens displayed extravagant costumes. The joke likely criticizes the pretentiousness of these public displays or the disconnect between religious observance and ostentatious fashion. The historical costumes may mock the absurdity of such elaborate dress-up, positioning New York's Easter celebrations as theatrical rather than genuinely pious.