Life — September 15, 1904 — page 1: what you’re looking at

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# Life Magazine, September 15, 1904 This satirical illustration depicts a woman with a large serpent or sea creature, captioned "Not Farewell, Merely Au Revoir" (French for "until we meet again"). The cartoon appears to reference a romantic or dramatic parting—the woman's gesture and the creature's anthropomorphized expression suggest an emotional goodbye rather than a final separation. The French phrase implies the relationship will resume. Without additional historical context from this specific 1904 issue, the precise identity of the figures and their political or social reference remain unclear. The illustration could relate to a theatrical production, a contemporary scandal, or a political situation of that moment. The ornate decorative border and whimsical style were typical of Life's satirical aesthetic during this period.