Life, 1915-03-04 · page 30 of 48
Life — March 4, 1915 — page 30: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **caption contest** page from *Life* magazine, drawn by the famous illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. The untitled illustration shows a well-dressed man in formal attire and a woman examining magazines or publications together, presumably having just had a conversation. The contest asks readers to supply a witty caption of twenty words or fewer—either original or a quotation—imagining what was "just said" between these two figures. The prize structure ($500 for first place, down to $10 for fourth through tenth) reflects this was a significant contest for the era. This format was typical of *Life's* satirical humor: rather than delivering a completed joke, the magazine invited readers to complete it, turning readers into collaborators. The Gibson illustration's genteel domestic setting suggests the humor likely involves middle-class social observations or mild romantic/marital wit—typical of early 20th-century *Life* magazine's demographic and sensibilities.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
(This picture has no title) Tt aoe Drawn by Charles Dana Gibson. What Has Just Been Said? For the best answer to the picture above Life will give $500 $200 First Prize Second Prize Third Prize - Fourth to Tenth (inclusive) $10 each $100 Total, $870 Conditions of the Contest The answer, in whatever form submitted, must not ex- ceed twenty words, and may be either original or a quota- tion. The paper upon which the answer is sent should contain nothing but the answer, with the name and address of the author in the upper left-hand corner. If this rule is violated the judges reserve the right to debar the contribution. Manuscripts should be addressed to The Contest Editor of Lire, 17 West 31st Street, New York. Envelopes addressed in any other way will not be con- sidered. All answers submitted must be at Lire office not later than Saturday, April 24. The contest will close at noon of that date. ithin one week from April 24 checks will be sent to the winners. Announcement of winners will be made in Lire's issue of May 13. It is not necessary to be a subscriber to Lire in order to compete. The contest is open free to every one. Only one answer from each contestant will be con- sidered. Ne manuscripts will be returned. The editors of Lire. will be the judges. They will award the prizes to the answers which, in their judgment, are the most deserving. comicbooks.qeorn