Life, 1906-12-13 · page 10 of 28
Life — December 13, 1906 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains satirical commentary on high society and fashion, illustrated with two cartoons. **"The Reversible Plot"** mocks wealthy women's obsession with horses and elaborate costumes at shows. The text describes absurdly expensive outfits (green velvet, diamonds, plumes, furs) worn to display horses—yet the "noble animal" deserves appreciation for itself alone. The accompanying "Evolution of the Horse" drawings humorously contrast an idealized show horse with an awkward, poorly-ridden one. **"The Rush Hour"** depicts a crowded boat, appearing to satirize overcrowding or chaotic Christmas shopping/holiday travel among the masses. The pieces suggest Life magazine's critique of upper-class vanity and conspicuous consumption, while treating common people's experiences with comic exaggeration.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
746 The Reversible Plot O S tragic phase man bravely must endure— Asa success he's oft a failure—sure; But, even then, "tis comic, more or less, That, as a failure, he’s a great success. For the Glory of the Horse O THE success of the recent Horse Show there can be little doubt. The horse is a noble animal, and it w real pleasure to read in the New York Times that one of the most gorgeous costumes. seen at the show this year was worn yes- terday by Mrs. C. B. A. Over a princess gown of deep green chiffon over white was asuperb wrap of a darker shade, almost myrtle, trimmed with ermine. Mrs. A. wore with this a picture hat of deep green velvet, with shaded green plumes. Naturally, there was more or less applause during the exhibition. Con- siderable enthusiasm was aroused by the ¢ knowledge that in one of the were Mrs. W, P. T., in an olive n set of gray furs; Miss T. I. in black, with a hat trimmed with mauve and black tulle, Even the horses themselves, as they moved about the ring, were stimulated to nobler deeds by the realization that Mrs. C. wore a costume of ciel blue and Mrs. G. was in pink, with a gray velvet hat EVOLUTION OF THE HORSE AS I was trimmed with a yellow plume. She wore a rivitre of diamonds. And the music, too! the splendid animals, the fine traps and harnesses, all made for a brilliant show. And, then, Mrs. Alfred V. wore her favorite color, brown, in a deep shade, with furs, and a hat covered with dark brown plumes. Yes, the horse is a noble animal. And those who can afford the best ones do love him for himself alone. AS UE IS. For Stande Patters INCE mennie people are soe fonde of the present style of spellynge why notte goe backe to ye periode whenne it was yette more cumbersome? Time was whenne this style of spellynge was the customme, and the majoritie of menne would have kicked mightilie at any proposal to change ytte or to modifie in vay yts cussednesse. In those dayes they loved lotts of letters in their wordes, as doe nowe the’enemies of ennie chaynge. THe RUSH HOUR The Dawning Era Their (American women’s) new vehicle for ancient energies will be found in philanthropy, politics, mu- sicipal government, child saving — The Independent. HAT is, if the artificial production of life be- comes a commercial success. Otherwise, those ancient en- ergies will have to wreak themselves on philanthropy, politics and municipal gov- emment merely. A Vague Unrest HE PLUTOCRAT: Whatare youcrying for, boy? Haven't you every- thing for Christmasthat you thought of ? Tue Boy: Yes. But (boohoo) I wanted some things I didn’t think of. AS Wane comicbooks.com