Life, 1915-04-01 · page 23 of 72
Life — April 1, 1915 — page 23: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a famous illustration by **Charles Dana Gibson**, the renowned cartoonist known for depicting idealized American women ("Gibson Girls"). The drawing shows a well-dressed couple examining illustrated magazines or publications together—likely depicting a romantic or domestic moment of shared leisure. **Life's Contest**: Rather than providing context or explanation, the magazine challenges readers to caption the image, asking "What Has Just Been Said?" Contestants could win up to $500 for the best answer (maximum twenty words). **The Satire**: The joke likely turns on the ambiguity of the couple's interaction—are they having a meaningful conversation, making idle remarks, or is one person ignoring the other? Gibson's illustration style typically carried subtle social commentary about relationships and gender dynamics in early 20th-century America. **Historical Context**: This was a common interactive feature in *Life*—a humorous, highbrow magazine that engaged readers while showcasing illustration talent and generating reader participation.
📄 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) 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 exceed twenty words, and may be either original or a quotation. 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. Within 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 considered. No 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.com