Life — March 20, 1913 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is primarily a **wine advertisement** rather than political satire. The page advertises B&G Wines (Barton & Guestier), a French wine merchant, using the slogan "B&G Wines and Our Grandfathers were Warm Friends." The advertisement features two wine bottles (Haut Sauternes 1903 and Pontet Canet) flanking an elegant fireplace scene, evoking warmth, tradition, and hospitality. The decorative header quotes old English expressions valuing wood for burning, books for reading, wine for drinking, and friends for trust—positioning wine-drinking as a genteel, longstanding custom. The company's New York address (15 South William Street) suggests this targets American consumers with nostalgic appeals to European sophistication and family heritage. It's commercial promotion, not political commentary.