Life — May 23, 1907 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a page from *Life* magazine showing a satirical illustration titled "BEAUTIES OF BRIDGE" with a subtitle "CENTS BECOME A SOURCE OF PROFIT." The sketch depicts an elegantly dressed woman at what appears to be a bridge game, surrounded by money and coins scattered on the table. The satire targets the social practice of women playing bridge for monetary stakes—a fashionable leisure activity among upper-class women of the early 20th century. The joke critiques how bridge had become a vehicle for gambling and profit-making among society women, transforming what was ostensibly a genteel parlor game into a money-making enterprise. The woman's refined appearance contrasts with the mercenary nature of the activity, mocking the pretensions of high society while commenting on women's involvement in gambling.