Life — December 4, 1913 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily an **advertisement** for Hampshire Bond stationery, not a political cartoon. The ad features a styled photograph of stationery products—letterhead, envelopes, and a handwritten letter dated "December 23rd 1913"—arranged artistically with ribbon. The advertisement emphasizes "The Stationery of a Gentleman" and appeals to social status through elegant presentation. The handwritten letter and formal packaging suggest quality and sophistication desired by upper-class consumers. The Hampshire Paper Co. of South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts uses this upscale imagery to market their stationery as a luxury product. At bottom, the copy invites readers to request a sample packet, a common direct-mail marketing tactic of the era. This reflects early 20th-century advertising strategy targeting affluent readers of *Life* magazine.