Life — February 23, 1911 — page 25: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a wealthy man seated in an ornate chair, surrounded by tiny figures swarming around him like flies. The title plays on Aesop's fable "The Lion and the Flies," suggesting parasitic relationships. The rich man sits amid scattered money and papers, appearing overwhelmed or besieged by the small figures—likely representing hangers-on, sycophants, or those seeking his wealth. His formal attire (tuxedo, decorations) emphasizes his status, while his stern expression suggests annoyance or resignation. The satire critiques how wealth attracts opportunists and social parasites. The "flies" metaphor suggests these people are bothersome pests drawn to the "corpse" of wealth. This reflects early 20th-century American attitudes about the corrupting nature of money and the social problems wealth creates.