Life — January 5, 1899 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains humorous domestic scenes rather than political satire. The top section shows "The Story of His Birth"—a series of illustrated panels depicting a child's growth, with animals (appears to be a hedgehog or similar creature) shown at progressive stages. The "Two Views" dialogue jokes about when a child becomes too old for kissing. An older aunt questions if young "Robby" is getting too large, while a younger cousin (suggesting flirtation or different values) suggests he's finally "big enough" to kiss—implying romantic rather than familial interest. The bottom caption references "ancestors before the Alliance," likely alluding to pre-modern courtship customs or family lineages, though the specific historical reference is unclear without additional context. The humor relies on generational attitudes toward appropriate physical affection and courtship conventions.