Life — September 26, 1907 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a black and white illustration credited to **C. Coles Phillips**, a prominent Life magazine artist of the early 20th century. The image shows a well-dressed man in formal attire (suit and striped shirt) seated at an ornate desk or table, leaning forward with his hand to his face in a posture suggesting contemplation, worry, or distress. The desk features decorative elements including what appear to be bottles and glasses on the left side. The satire appears to target a businessman or professional dealing with some form of anxiety or concern—possibly related to finances, business decisions, or personal matters. Without additional visible text on the page identifying the specific figure or event being satirized, the precise subject cannot be determined. The composition emphasizes the man's troubled mental state through his posture and expression.