Life — January 2, 1908 — page 27: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration by Harrison Cady titled "To You, My Children!" The cartoon depicts an elaborate banquet table viewed from above, with wealthy diners seated on both sides. The table itself is shaped like a large human head or face, filled with elaborate food and decorative elements. The satire appears to critique wealth inequality and excess: the affluent guests feast lavishly while appearing self-satisfied, while the composition—making the feast itself anthropomorphic—suggests they are consuming from or within a human figure, possibly implying parasitic relationships or the dehumanizing nature of unchecked wealth accumulation. The title "To You, My Children!" suggests ironic commentary on what privileged society is "feeding" or passing down to the next generation—materialism and excess rather than more meaningful values.