Life — May 14, 1914 — page 23: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This engraving by Broughton depicts a skeletal figure of Death personified as War, wielding a sword and confronting a living woman (likely representing a nation or civilization). The allegorical composition is characteristic of early 20th-century satirical art in *Life* magazine. The skeleton-figure embodies the destructive nature of military conflict, while the woman's gesture suggests resistance or pleading. The imagery reflects anti-war sentiment common during periods of international tension or actual warfare. Without the publication date visible, the specific historical context remains unclear—this could reference WWI, earlier 19th-century conflicts, or general pacifist messaging. The artwork uses classical allegorical symbolism to critique war's dehumanizing effects on society.