Life — July 2, 1908 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a formal governmental or ceremonial scene, likely from around 1907 based on the visible banner reading "Sons of the Panic of 1907." The image shows a large crowd of pig-faced figures in the upper gallery, while dignified officials in formal dress occupy a lower platform with draped bunting. The pigs appear to represent speculators or financial manipulators, while the officials likely represent government leadership. The satire critiques the financial panic of 1907, suggesting that greedy financial actors (depicted as pigs) were responsible for the economic crisis, while government officials presided over the chaos. The contrast between the two groups emphasizes the separation between those blamed for the disaster and those ostensibly in control.