Life, 1909-03-11 · page 11 of 36
Life — March 11, 1909 — page 11: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a satirical cartoon titled "In the Beginning" that depicts mythological or allegorical figures in a garden scene. The main figures appear to be nude or partially nude classical figures, including what looks like Adam and Eve alongside animal or satyr-like creatures, suggesting a playful take on creation mythology. The accompanying text, attributed to Chesterton Todd, is a humorous dialogue between characters named Modeste and the Princess about a motor car breaking down—apparently contrasting primitive "beginning" themes with modern automotive concerns. Below the main cartoon is a row of silhouetted profile portraits labeled "Grandmothers," likely satirizing generational or genealogical themes. The satire appears to humorously juxtapose classical/biblical origins with contemporary early 20th-century life and technology.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Modiste come to-morrow at three. I see what's the trouble. And mind!'" he added, looking at the Princess sharply, “don't you be late. You kept me waiting five minutes to-day. If you want me to make your gowns, you understand," and he nodded significantly. By this time the Princess was on the verge of another collapse. But Favorita bore her up, and hurried her out to the motor car IN THE BEGINNING They had hardly gotten seated, how- ever, before there was a terrible com- motion without. “ What's sobbed the Princess. “It is nothing,"’ replied Favorita. “they are killing a ta b driver, that is all. We pay no attention to such a slight thing as that,’’ she said. The motor car started slowly ahead, It went by fits and starts, there was such a crowd. All about them there was the matter now © othe Corbung, = I ASK, MADAME, IF ONE COULD DESIRE ANYTHING MORE SIMPLE OR MORE JEUNE SIECLE, ENFIN! stamping cf feet, clanging of horns, shouts, policemen’s whistles and a great surging noise The Princess Piffleton’s back on Favorita’s sh der. “If this is Progress,”’ she whispered, “what does anybody want with it?’’ “Hush, dear,"" replied _ Favorita, soothingly, “don’t rebel. Remember, this is the real American civilization, considered the very best one yet.’ Chesterton Todd. head sank RAZ GRANDMOTHERS comicbooks.com