Life — May 11, 1916 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a **White Motor Company automobile advertisement**, not political satire. The page depicts an elegant 1920s scene: well-dressed passengers in a custom-built White touring car, parked among tall trees with other vehicles visible. A chauffeur operates the vehicle. The ad emphasizes that White's "center cowl" (hood design) cannot be imitated—it's protected by copyright. The copywriting stresses how the car's graceful proportions and high-quality materials distinguish it from competitors. The humor is subtle, playing on wealthy motorists' desire to display status through exclusive automotive design. The nighttime forest setting suggests leisure and luxury travel accessible only to the affluent. This is straightforward period advertising, not satirical commentary on social issues or politics.