Life — October 1, 1903 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **advertising**, not political satire or editorial cartoons. The ads feature early 1900s automobiles and luxury goods: 1. **Peerless Motor Cars** - emphasizes reliability for suburban-to-city travel (20-40 miles) 2. **Delletrez Perfumes** - a Paris luxury brand highlighting "Myrtis" fragrance 3. **Kelly-Springfield Tire** - shows horses and carriages, suggesting tires suitable for both vehicles 4. **Oldsmobile** - priced at $650, marketed as dependable with proven engine design The humor is implicit rather than satirical: horses appear alongside automobiles, reflecting the transitional moment when motor cars were replacing horse-drawn transport. There are no identifiable political figures or sharp social commentary—just period advertising reflecting early automotive industry competition and luxury goods marketing to wealthy readers.