Life — February 11, 1909 — page 14: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a satirical cartoon titled "FAUST—PROTECTION. Mephistopheles" (partially visible). The image depicts two figures in a Faustian bargain scenario: a rotund, well-dressed man (likely representing a political or business figure) sits while a skeletal, demonic character perches on his shoulders, wielding a hammer or gavel. The satire references Goethe's *Faust* legend, where a man trades his soul for power and protection. Here, the cartoon suggests a corrupt alliance—the powerful figure gains "protection" (possibly from prosecution or competition) by making a deal with malevolent forces (represented by Mephistopheles). Without clearer text or dating information, the specific political target remains unclear, but the cartoon criticizes backroom deals and moral compromise in pursuit of power or security.