Life, 1911-11-09 · page 19 of 44
Life — November 9, 1911 — page 19: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a visual puzzle from *Life* magazine's satirical humor section. The black-and-white illustration shows a man in formal attire (appearing to be a gentleman or soldier) standing beside a woman in a ballet tutu positioned near a hole in snowy ground, with bare birch trees visible. The magazine is running a $100 contest asking readers to submit titles for this untitled image—the implication being that the absurd juxtaposition demands explanation through wit. The humor likely derives from the incongruity: a ballerina in an inappropriate setting (winter landscape with a suspicious hole), or perhaps a commentary on theatrical pretension meeting reality. Readers had until November 18 to submit fifteen-word-maximum titles. This was a popular *Life* feature that invited audience participation while showcasing the magazine's satirical sensibility about modern social situations and human behavior.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
This picture has no title, For the Best Title to This Picture, Life Will Give One Hundred Dollars Conditions of the Contest The title, with sub-title, or in whatever form sub- mitted, must not exceed fifteen words. Manuscripts should be addressed to The Contest Editor of Lave, Me, 17 West jist St, New York, N.Y. Envelopes addressed in any other way will not be considered. All titles submitted must be at Lire office not later than Saturday, Nov. 18. The contest will close at noon of that date. Within one week from Nov. 18 a check for $100 will be sent to the winner. Announcement of winner will be made in Lire’s issue of Dec. 7—the Christmas Number. Tt is not necessary to be a subscriber to Lire in order to compete. “The contest is open to every one. Only one title from each contestant will be con- sidered. No manuscript will be returned. ‘The editors of Lire will be the judges. They will award the prize to the title which, in their judgment, is the most deserving. This is the last time the picture will be published before the announcement of the winner. comicbooks.com