Life, 1898-08-18 · page 19 of 20
Life — August 18, 1898 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon satirizes art collecting and patronage. Two well-dressed men in top hats discuss a painting: one has received it as a gift from "Ludovicus Dupon" (likely a French aristocrat) and is furious because a dedication inscribed on it makes the artwork harder to sell. The joke mocks wealthy collectors who value art primarily for resale profit rather than artistic merit, and the awkwardness of unwanted gifts with permanent inscriptions. The lower half is primarily advertising for *The Yankee Navy* by Tom Masson, published by Life Publishing Company. It promotes the book as an illustrated history of American naval achievements, including the Spanish-American War's destruction of Cervera's fleet. The portrait appears to be a historical naval figure. This page blends satirical humor with commercial promotion, 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.
“LUDOVICUS DUPON HAS MADE ME A PRESENT OF TUIS PAINTING, AND I AM FURIOUS,” “puniocs?" “We WAS PUT A DEDICATION ON IT WHICH MAKES IT HARDER To SELL." Journal Amusant. “GRIT, GUMPTION AND GUNNERY!” THE LIFE PUBLISHING COMPANY WILL SHORTLY ISSUE THE YANKEE NAVY BY TOM MASSON. Profusely Mlustrated with Original Drawinge and by Ol¢ Prints of the Pertod. Price, 81.00, bound In cloth, with cover tn colors. This work, while being an accurate narrative of the achievements of the American Navy from its inception to the destruction of Cervera’s flect, possesses all the interest and excitement of a story of adventure. The only book on the subject that presents in condensed form the com- plete history of our Glorious Navy. Other attractive books, illustrated by the best artists, will follow in proper season, LIFE PUBLISHING COMPANY, 19 and 21 West 31st St., New York.