Life — May 11, 1916 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily a **cigarette advertisement**, not political satire. The image shows a historical portrait in an ornate frame with a caption indicating it depicts "the original of the trade-mark made for Richmond Straight Cut Cigarettes" and notes the brand has been "preferred by Gentlemen now as then." The advertisement leverages **historical prestige and tradition** to market the product, suggesting the cigarette brand has maintained quality across generations. The phrase "Preferred by Gentlemen Now as Then" appeals to masculine sophistication and established respectability. The portrait itself appears to be a classical 18th or 19th-century gentleman, though the specific identity isn't stated in the visible text. The ornate framing emphasizes luxury and heritage marketing—common advertising tactics of the era.