Life, 1909-08-12 · page 9 of 28
Life — August 12, 1909 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece presents contemporary American figures as Greek gods. The page shows caricatures labeled "Neptune" and "Minerva," reimagining modern personalities as classical deities. **Neptune** is identified as "Rear-Admiral Bob," chief of the Medico-Naval forces, described as a champion swimmer and subject of Homer's poetry. The text humorously credits him with aquatic expertise and various business interests including lobster industries. **Minerva** (goddess of wisdom) is "Athene Jane," daughter of George W. Jupiter, Esq., noted for "universal knowledge early in life." The satire mocks prominent contemporary figures by elevating them to mythological status, likely poking fun at their pretensions or public reputations. This format was typical of *Life* magazine's social commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
= * LIFE: 209 Who's Who on Olympus By Joun Keprick Baxcs NEPTUNE Neetune: cpa Adeuiral Bob. Chief of the Medico-Naval forces of the Zeusvelt Administration. Second son of Colonel Kronos, and Rhea, from whom he got his title of Rhea-Admiral. Champion Long Distance Swimmer in the Olympian Games, and hero of many poems by Homer and others, notably “The Ancient Mariner,"’ the most popular god on the list, especially along the Jersey Coast, where he is per- mitted to embrace without protest any or all of the Summer girls in sight. The original Old Salt. An ardent water- mobolist, breeder and trainer of Jonah’s whale and chief pro- moter of The Noah’s Ark Navigation Company in the early diluvian era. Though given exclusively to water, is often found with a pronounced tide on, though seldom drunk. Is known to mariners as Davy Jones, and the keeper of Mother Carey's chickens. President of the Dew Trust and of The International Seaweed and Marine Fertilizing Company. Builder of the first known aquarium, and is absolute master of the Lobster Industry of the world. Recreations: Raging, coursing with ocean grayhounds and getting married, having a wife in every port, and a large waiting list besides. Address, With the Flect, care of Bob Evans, Esq.. or in care of Dr Rixey, White House, Washington (ring top bell). Mitra titere Jane, daughter of George W. Jupiter, Esa. Sprung, not born, from head of Jove and considered a very excellent idea. Acquired universal knowledge early in life and consequently never married. Principal the Helicon Academy for Young Ladies, and later president Pallas Female Seminary, where she personally occupied the chairs of Wisdom and Physical Culture. As Custodian of Common Sense in the domestic entourage of her father she established the first In- telligence Office on record, and was frequently referred to as the Brains of the Administration. The first piece of his mind given to the public by Jupiter, and a convincing retort to the taunt of Juno that he hadn't a decent idea in hie head. Though democratic in her tastes, always rode in a Patlas car Champion lady lightweight in the Olympian ring; which, in addition to her superior intelligence, account for her having been the original old maid. On several occasions won the decision from Mars himself in less than three rounds, but for steady diet preferred the intellectual to the strenuous life Author of “ Reminiscences of a High Brow,’’ “ How to Get a Head in the World."? “Gorgon Hunting in the Rockies, or Medusx I Have Slone,"’ and “The Complete Lady Pugilist."" Recreations: Single blessedness, nursing heroes and boxing Address, Jupiter's Temples Browhead, Olympus, or The Par- nassus Athletic and Literary Club MINERVA comicbooks.com