Life, 1912-04-18 · page 17 of 54
Life — April 18, 1912 — page 17: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine (page 809) presents a untitled satirical illustration with a $100 contest prize for readers to suggest the best caption. **The Image:** A woman in classical/allegorical dress stands dramatically before a castle or fortification, gesturing toward a seated figure (appearing male, possibly representing a beggar or common person) who holds a sign reading "LAW" and sits with a small dog. The woman appears to be Lady Justice or Liberty personified. **The Satire's Point:** The cartoon likely critiques the relationship between law/legal systems and ordinary people—suggesting either that justice is theatrical performance disconnected from reality, or that laws protect the privileged while ignoring the common person's plight. The contrast between the noble woman's grand posture and the humble seated figure emphasizes social inequality. **The Contest:** *Life* invited readers to title this image, offering substantial prize money ($100, significant in this era), demonstrating the magazine's interactive engagement with audiences and confidence in readers' wit.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
his 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. The paper ipon which the title is sent should contain nothing sut the title, with the name and address of the author n the upper left hand corner. If this rule is violated the judges reserve the right to debar the contribution. Manuscripts should be addressed to The Contest Editor of Lire, 17 West jist Street, New York. Envelopes addressed in any other way will not be considered. All titles submitted must be at Lire office not later than Saturday, May 4. The contest will close at noon of that date. Within one week from May 4 a check for $100 will be sent to the winner. Announcement of winner will be made in Lire’s issue of May 16. 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. comicbooks.com