Life — February 23, 1911 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Life Magazine Cartoon This appears to be a political cartoon from Life's "Rich Man's Number" issue (February 23, 1911). The image shows a well-dressed gentleman in a top hat approaching a winged female angel figure holding a key and raising her hand in blessing or welcome. The satire likely critiques wealthy individuals' relationship with morality or the afterlife—suggesting that riches might grant access to heaven or divine favor. The angel could represent heavenly gates or salvation, while the "rich man" approaches with apparent confidence, perhaps implying that wealth provides shortcuts to spiritual reward. The signed artist appears to be Orson Lowell. The cartoon reflects Progressive Era skepticism about capitalism and whether money could buy moral or spiritual standing.