Life — March 2, 1911 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Life Magazine "Peacock Number" - March 5, 1911 This appears to be a cover or feature page titled "Reversion to Type," showing a silhouetted figure in an elegant, flowing gown with dramatic peacock-feather styling. The image seems to satirize fashionable women's clothing of the era, particularly the ornate peacock-feather trend that was popular in early 1900s haute couture. The caption "Reversion to Type" suggests social commentary—likely mocking either the excessive ornamentation of contemporary fashion or criticizing women who adopt such elaborate plumage as representing a regression to primitive or animal-like behavior. This reflects turn-of-the-century anxieties about women's fashion and social roles, using the peacock metaphor to ridicule extravagance or vanity. The satirical intent is characteristic of Life magazine's sharp social commentary from this period.