Life, 1916-04-13 · page 33 of 46
Life — April 13, 1916 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement** rather than political satire. The page uses humor to market canned soup to wealthy consumers. The opening verse satirizes class distinctions—joking that happiness depends on dinner, and especially for those "born with the gold spoon in their mouths" (the wealthy). The ad claims Franco-American Soups meet the refined tastes of the elite, despite being affordable (35 cents per quart) and requiring only heating. The illustration shows a **chef or server** carrying soup, representing culinary expertise. The brand credits recipes to "A.Biardot of Paris," identified as formerly superintendent of the palace of King George of Greece—lending false prestige and European sophistication to a mass-market American product. The satire is gentle: it flatters wealthy consumers while suggesting that even the rich needn't cook from scratch. The joke is that quality soup comes pre-made, contradicting the implied snobbery about fine dining.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
All human history attests Ghat happiness for man~ the hungry sinner!- Since Eve ate apples, much depends on dinner: Much! Especially to those born with the gold spoon in their mouths, for to their tastes can only a Super-Chef minister! It is at such high feasts that Franco-American Soups are most acceptable. Their purity, their delicacy, their quality of infinite satisfaction appeal most where most is expected. The best of earth and sea are the ingredients, transformed by the skill of the French culinary expert into “more than food and more than spice, but both of these together.” The popularity of these soups indicates that those who value quality are perfectly willing to pay for it. Merely heat before serving Thirty-five cents the quart Twenty selections At the better stores Franco - American Soups after the recipes of OF PARIS formerly superintendent of the palace of H.MKing George of Greece ” Let us give you a taste of our quality comicbooks.com