Life — October 8, 1903 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This appears to be a classical/mythological scene rather than a political cartoon. The image shows what looks like Pan or a similar classical figure playing a large dollar sign-shaped instrument (like a lyre or harp) while surrounded by goats and other figures in a cave or rocky setting. The satire likely critiques the commercialization or "music" of money itself—the dollar sign transformed into a musical instrument suggests wealth-making or financial dealings presented as an art form or performance. The attendant figures and animals may represent those enchanted or fooled by financial schemes. The partial caption visible reads "THE PO MUSIC / A STOCK-BROKER[?]ION OF..." which supports this interpretation as commentary on financial/stock market activity, possibly mocking brokers or investors who treat money-making as entertainment or art.