Life, 1903-11-05 · page 37 of 38
Life — November 5, 1903 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily **advertising**, not satire or political commentary. The page promotes decorative pillow covers manufactured by Burnt Leather MFG. Co., featuring reproductions of artwork by **Charles Dana Gibson**—the famous illustrator known for his "Gibson Girl" drawings of idealized, fashionable women. The central illustration shows a Gibson Girl bust portrait, framed by decorative fringe, exemplifying the product being sold. The text emphasizes that designs are hand-drawn reproductions preserving Gibson's distinctive technique. For modern readers: Gibson Girls represented early 1900s ideals of feminine beauty and sophistication among the upper-middle class. These pillow covers marketed to "College Men and Women" as tasteful home décor—similar to today's merchandise featuring celebrity or artist imagery. The premium price ($4.00, plus $1.00 for college flags) and emphasis on artistic authenticity suggest this was a luxury item for affluent consumers. This reflects early 20th-century consumer culture and Gibson's tremendous cultural influence.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Copyright by Life Pubtisting bo PILLOW COVERS OF BURNT LEATHER Artistically Decorated With Gibson Heads These covers are decorated with exact reproductions of Mr. Gibson's drawings, every line being carefully drawn by hand, thereby preserving the technique so characteristic of Mr. Gibson's work. Unique in conception, these covers make an attractive addition to the appointments of cozy corner, den or library. They may be had in Red, Green, Fawn, Orange, Russet and Electric Blue. Sent prepaid to any address in the United States or Canada upon receipt of $4.00. These fillows have met with special favor among College Men and Women. ‘They can be had with your college flag reproduced in colors on reverse side at an additional cost of $1.00 per pillow. BURNT LEATHER MFG. CO. 498-500 Broadway, New York City, U.S. A. comicbooks.com