Life — April 23, 1903 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 369 (1903) This satirical page presents two political cartoons mocking fashions in Washington politics. **Left cartoon:** Shows a man wrapped in an Egyptian mummy costume labeled "Costume for an Ex-Ex-Presidential Candidate." The Egyptian imagery suggests the figure is politically "dead" or obsolete—preserved like a mummy rather than actively participating in current politics. This appears to mock a former presidential candidate attempting relevance. **Right cartoon:** Depicts a man in ornate, patterned clothing near the Capitol, captioned "A Quiet Morning Pattern Which Will Be Much in Evidence in Washington This Spring." The elaborate, showy garments satirize the ostentatious or deceptive behavior expected in Washington political circles during spring—suggesting politicians will wear metaphorical "fancy dress" to hide their true nature. Both cartoons use costume/fashion as metaphors for political inauthenticity.