Life — February 24, 1916 — page 47: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a commercial advertisement for Murad Turkish cigarettes, priced at fifteen cents. The image shows a man in formal attire (tuxedo and top hat) being pulled in opposite directions by two women in theatrical costumes, suggesting romantic or comedic tension. The tagline "Everywhere—Why?" appears at the bottom left. The ad employs humor and mild innuendo typical of early 20th-century advertising. The "Turkish cigarette" branding evokes exoticism and sophistication that was marketable to American consumers of that era. The central figure's bemused expression suggests the cigarette's appeal lies in its desirability among women. This reflects period advertising conventions that associated certain consumer products with romantic success and cosmopolitan lifestyle.