Life — November 18, 1909 — page 35: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily **an advertisement**, not a satirical cartoon. It appears in *Life* magazine from 1910 and showcases "The 30 Locomobile"—an early automobile manufactured by the Locomobile Company of America. The image displays the vehicle in profile against an elegant mansion backdrop, emphasizing its luxury and sophistication. The advertisement highlights two drivetrain options: shaft drive and chain drive, suggesting technical innovation for the era. The "Selden Patent" reference indicates the vehicle was licensed under a controversial early automobile patent that dominated the industry. For modern readers: this represents early automotive marketing targeting wealthy consumers, showcasing mechanical specifications as status symbols. The stately setting and formal presentation reflect how automobiles were luxury goods marketed to the affluent, not yet mass-market transportation.