Life — August 19, 1915 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis The main illustration depicts a cherub or cupid figure sitting beside a large owl, with a halo above them both. The caption "That Gibson Secret" references Charles Dana Gibson, the famous illustrator whose "Gibson Girl" defined early 1900s idealized femininity. The text playfully suggests Life magazine is keeping a secret about Gibson—"a wise bird has us under firm control"—implying the owl symbolizes secrecy or wisdom guarding unrevealed information. Below, "That Coupon Opposite" addresses a subscription offer the magazine distances itself from, claiming the business office added it against editorial preference to attract subscribers. This reveals internal magazine tension between commercial and editorial interests. The page is primarily a subscription advertisement for Life magazine at five dollars yearly.