Life — December 10, 1914 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Life magazine cover from December 10, 1914 presents a satirical commentary on social hypocrisy and changing morality. The image depicts classical nude or semi-nude figures (appearing to represent allegorical or mythological subjects) positioned as if observing well-dressed modern people through windows—the roles reversed from typical voyeurism. The title "Weren't They Funny?" suggests the satire: what was once considered acceptable artistic representation (classical nudity) is now scandalous, while contemporary society views such imagery as inappropriate. The cartoon critiques early-20th-century prudishness and the contradiction between society's acceptance of classical art versus its rejection of similar modern depictions. The elegantly dressed figures looking away represent contemporary social propriety and discomfort with the human form.