Life — February 5, 1903 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Life: February - My Valentine" This is a Valentine's Day themed cover from *Life* magazine (page 105). The image shows a heart-shaped frame containing what appears to be a groundhog or similar burrowing animal emerging from or nestled in earth/soil, surrounded by decorative botanical elements (flowers and buds). The title "My Valentine" is a playful romantic gesture, but directed toward an animal rather than a human. This likely satirizes either: - The sentimentality of Valentine's Day customs themselves, or - Contemporary attitudes toward nature/animals The choice of a groundhog—particularly in February—may reference Groundhog Day (February 2nd), making this a seasonal pun combining two February observances. The joke appears to mock romantic excess by redirecting Valentine sentiment toward an unexpected, earthy subject.