Life — November 11, 1915 — page 44: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is an advertisement for Fatima cigarettes from November 1915. It claims that Fatima won the Grand Prix—the highest award for cigarettes—at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (a real 1915 fair in San Francisco). The page features a classical architectural monument with crowds gathered below, suggesting prestige and international recognition. The cigarette pack is displayed prominently as "A Sensible Cigarette." This is straightforward advertising rather than satire. It leverages the credibility of an international exposition award to market the product as superior. The classical imagery and formal language aim to position Fatima as a quality, refined choice. There is no political commentary or cartoon humor present—it's a commercial endorsement using a real historical event (the exposition) to boost consumer confidence.