Life, 1912-11-07 · page 34 of 60
Life — November 7, 1912 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a **titling contest** rather than a completed cartoon. Life magazine published an untitled illustration and invited readers to submit titles for a $100 prize—substantial money in the early 20th century. The image shows what appears to be a **wedding ceremony** in an ornate interior, with a clergy member in white robes presiding over a couple, surrounded by formally dressed guests. The ambiguity—"What Has Happened?"—suggests the cartoon's humor lies in an unexpected or ironic scenario that readers must identify through their title suggestions. Without additional context, the specific social or political satire remains unclear, but the contest format itself reveals Life's editorial strategy: crowdsourcing wit from readers while generating engagement and promoting the magazine. The deadline of November 11 and December 5 announcement indicate this appeared in an autumn 1912 or similar issue.
📄 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, What Has Happened ? 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 twenty words. The paper upon which it is sent should contain nothing else ex- cept the name and address of the author in the upper left-hand corner. If this rule is violated the judges reserve the right to debar the contribution. Among titles of equal merit preference will be given to the shortest. Manuscripts should be addressed to The Contest Editor of Lire, 17 West 31st §t., New York. Envelopes addressed in any other way will not be considered. Preference will be given to a title not submitted by several contestants, but in case more than one person submits the winning title the prize will be divided. All titles submitted must be at Lire office not later than Monday, November 11. The contest will close at noon of that date. Within one week from November 11 a check for $100 will be sent to the winner. Announcement of winner will be made in Lire’s issue of December 5—the Christmas Number. It 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