Life — March 27, 1913 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **advertising**, not satire or political commentary. It promotes "Exide" batteries for electric vehicles, published by The Electric Storage Battery Co. in Philadelphia. The illustration depicts a domestic scene: a woman stands at a house entrance while a man (appearing to be a delivery driver or serviceman) works on an early electric vehicle. This imagery appeals to the target market—affluent households interested in modern automotive technology. The ad emphasizes reliability and "service" as essential features. It lists prominent electric vehicle manufacturers endorsing Exide batteries, suggesting widespread industry trust. **Historical context**: This advertisement dates from the early 1900s, when electric vehicles competed seriously with gasoline cars before internal combustion engines dominated the market.