Life, 1916-06-15 · page 8 of 48
Life — June 15, 1916 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **product advertisement**, not political satire. It promotes the Victrola, an early phonograph/record player, as "the instrument of the world's greatest artists." The six portrait heads surrounding the central device identify famous performers of the era: Hinkle, Braslau, Murphy, Werrenrath, Marsh, and Kline. These appear to be prominent singers and musicians whose recordings were available on Victor Records. The ad's appeal is straightforward: owning a Victrola allows middle-class households to experience world-class musical performances at home. It emphasizes exclusivity ("only instrument for which the greatest singers...make records") and quality sound reproduction. The "His Master's Voice" logo appears in the corner—Victor's trademark featuring a dog listening to a phonograph horn.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Viectr The instrument of the worlds greatest artists To bring the world’s greatest artists right into your home is the exclusive privilege of the Victrola. It is the only instrument for which the greatest singers and instru- mentalists make records. And when you hear them on the Victrola you enjoy to the utmost the wonderful beauty which distinguishes their every interpretation. Any Victor dealer will gladly show you the complete line of Victors and Victrolas—$10 to $400—and play the music you know and like best, which is the only way for you to personally judge its capabilities of satisfying your musical longings. Victor Talking Machine Co., Camden, N. J., U.S. A. Berliner Gramopbone Co.. Montreal, Canadian Distributors Important warning. Victor Records can be safely and satisfactorily played only with Victor Needles or Tungs-tone Stylus on Victors or Victrolas. Victor Records cannot be safely played on machines with jeweled or other reproducing points. comicbooks.com