Life — September 12, 1912 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is the cover of *Life* magazine from September 12, 1912. The design features a large Texas star containing an illustration of a cowboy riding a bucking steer or longhorn. The text reads "that Texas Number of Life" and "Starring the Lone Star State." This appears to be a thematic issue celebrating Texas, using iconic imagery of the American West—the cowboy and longhorn cattle—as symbols of the state's identity and character. The star is Texas's official symbol. The illustration style and layout suggest this was a humorous or satirical take on Texas culture and identity, though the specific satirical point isn't entirely clear from the cover alone. The ten-cent price indicates this is from the early 20th century.