Life — October 16, 1913 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *Life* magazine (page 652) shows an illustration titled "Popular Illustrators at Work" and credits "Otho Cushing" as the artist. The image depicts an artist's studio scene with classical architectural elements—columns, statuary, and draped figures. A figure seated at an easel works on a drawing while nude or semi-nude classical models pose nearby. Sculptural busts and decorative plants complete the studio setting. The satire likely mocks the pretensions of popular illustrators of the era who drew inspiration from classical art and mythology to create commercial artwork. By showing the contrast between the artist's serious classical references and the commercial nature of magazine illustration, Cushing appears to be gently ridiculing illustrators' attempts to elevate their work through association with fine art traditions.