Life — January 3, 1907 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Cover, January 3, 1907 This is a Life magazine cover featuring a classical-style cherub or putto figure holding a whip. The cherub wears a band labeled "PROF. THE MIDDLETON" with text reading "NOT TO BE MUTILATED OR TAKEN FROM THE" (remainder unclear). The caption reads "WHAT MAKES IT GO ROUND?" The satirical point appears to reference a Professor Middleton, likely a public figure or academic of 1907, though the specific context is unclear from the image alone. The whip-wielding cherub suggests themes of control, discipline, or perhaps criticism of the figure's authority or methods. The "round" reference may allude to circular motion, cycles, or continuity in whatever the professor's work or influence represented. The artist is credited as W.M. Balfour-Kek.