Life — November 23, 1911 — page 44: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a **cigarette advertisement**, not a political cartoon. The page promotes "Pall Mall Famous Cigarettes" with pricing ("A Shilling in London / A Quarter Here"), indicating British and American markets circa 1911. The central image displays a heraldic coat of arms featuring a lion and unicorn (symbols of British royal authority) flanking a shield, with a crown above and a banner reading "DIEU ET MON DROIT" (God and My Right—the British royal motto). The ad uses royal imagery to position Pall Mall as a prestigious, quality product worthy of British imperial status. The heraldry suggests sophistication and legitimacy. A cigarette package is displayed at bottom left. This is straightforward advertising using patriotic/royal symbolism for brand prestige, not satire.