Life, 1913-08-14 · page 40 of 40
Life — August 14, 1913 — page 40: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is **primarily an advertisement**, not a political cartoon. It's a full-page ad for Colgate's Talc Powder from August 14, 1913, appearing in *Life* magazine. The image shows swimming-related product bottles arranged on a beach, with a woman swimming in the background. The ad promises the powder soothes sunburn and wind-burn after swimming—positioning it as a "summer necessity." Multiple perfume varieties are advertised (Cashmere Bouquet, Violet Dactyl, etc.). The only potentially satirical element is subtle: the ad's claim that they "couldn't improve the powder or the box—this year a wider choice of perfumes" implies that previous years' versions were already perfect, yet they're now offering new options anyway. This gently mocks typical advertising hyperbole about perpetual "improvements." Otherwise, this is straightforward early 20th-century consumer marketing targeting women and families, emphasizing safety ("safest and best for you and your children") alongside luxury and variety.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Avgut 14, 1913 Delightful after your Swim A summer necessity, soothing the irritation of sun- burn and wind-burn and making dressing comfort- able. Just the right proportions of boric acid and other sanative ingredients—safest and best for you and your children. We couldn't improve the powder or the box —this year a wider choice of perfumes. Eclat Cashmere Bouquet Violet La France Rose (new) Monad Violet Dactylis “Also Colgate’s Tinted Tale and Unscented Purchase Col at your 1 send four cents jor a dainty trial box. Mention perfume desired. COLGATE & CO., Dept. 23 199 Fulton Street, New York Makers of Cashmere Bouquet Soap—luxurious, lasting, refined. Read th tisement of Col ‘cilet Soaps on page 58. comicbooks.com