Life — August 18, 1898 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine Cover Analysis **Date:** August 18, 1898 This cover features **Major-General Wesley Merritt** depicted as a uniformed military officer riding a rocking horse—a visual pun on his name and rank. The satirical image appears to mock Merritt during the Spanish-American War era, when he commanded U.S. forces in the Philippines. The rocking horse suggests childishness or instability, likely critiquing his military leadership or decisions. The ornate military dress uniform and sword contrasts absurdly with the toy horse, emphasizing the satire. The elaborate decorative border and fantastical masthead design are typical of *Life* magazine's aesthetic style from this period, known for sharp political commentary through humorous visual metaphor.