Life, 1905-01-19 · page 34 of 38
Life — January 19, 1905 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily a **contest advertisement** rather than a satirical cartoon. Life magazine is soliciting title suggestions from readers for a Gibson drawing depicting two well-dressed figures in a canoe with swans. The image shows a romantic scene typical of Charles Dana Gibson's "Gibson Girl" era illustrations—elegant figures in an idyllic setting. The contest offered a $500 prize (substantial for 1904) to whoever suggested the best title, requiring a $5 subscription entry fee. The satire is subtle: Life positions itself as arbiter of taste and culture, confident readers will pay to participate. The romantic boating scene itself appears straightforward—no obvious political content is visible. The appeal relies on Gibson's popularity and the magazine's prestige among educated, affluent readers who could afford both subscription fees and leisure time pursuits like boating.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Copyright, 1904, Lire WHAT IS A GOOD TITLE FOR THIS GIBSON DRAWING? The picture has no title. LIFE wants the best one that can be suggested. It is not a puzzle picture. The title may be a word, a line, a verse or a quotation. No suggestion for a title will be considered The person who suggests Mr. Charles Dana Gibson draws regularly unless accompanied by Five Dollars to pay for the most appropriate fo LIFE, the leading illustrated, humorous avant subscription’ to LIFE., Subscriptions; title will receives and satirical journal of the world. The Christ may begin at any time. Aa | y mas and other extra numbers of LIFE are The best title will be determined by the e : . : Editors of LIFE from titles submitted in the Prize of sent to subscribers without additional charge. competition. Write your ttle on an envelope, Send ten cents now for the copy of LIFE with your name and address inside. Enclose which will contain the announcement of the both with your remittance for subscription. It of thi dada Suggestions must reach LIFE, before February result of this contest. Your name and address 1, 1905. The result will be announced in will be put on file and the copy mailed to LIFE for February 23, 1905. you as soon as issued. In addition to the opportunity to gain the $500 prize, EVERY COMPETITOR WILL RECEIVE, FREE OF CHARGE, an artist's proof of the picture, hand-printed on 17'x 21 India paper, plate-marked ready for framing. LIFE PUBLISHING COMPANY sc\nieie"* $B An artistically printed catalogue, containing 13 miniature reproductions of prints and proofs by Gibson, Gilbert, Clay, Rlashfield, Harrison Fisher, Crosby aad others, published by LIFE, will be sent to any address on receipt of ten cents. A dainty volume which’ will be'of service in the selection of holiday gifts comicbooks.com