Life — November 19, 1914 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Discovery of Grape-Juice" This November 1914 *Life* magazine cover presents a satirical image of a cherub or cupid-like figure discovering a grape vine with grapes. The caption "The Discovery of Grape-Juice" appears to be a humorous reference to Prohibition-era concerns in America. The satire likely mocks either the temperance movement's claims about grape juice as an alcohol-free alternative, or perhaps ridicules the absurdity of treating grape juice as a novel "discovery" when it's simply fermented grapes. Given the 1914 date—pre-Prohibition (which began in 1920)—this may satirize growing temperance advocacy that promoted grape juice as a substitute for wine. The cherubic figure's pose suggests innocence or naiveté, reinforcing the satirical tone about this supposedly wholesome alternative to alcohol.