Life — November 2, 1916 — page 22: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a dramatic illustration (likely by artist Hoyle, given the caption) depicting a dark, shadowy interior scene. The image shows what seems to be a figure or figures in a confined, brick-walled space with exposed beams overhead—possibly a basement, cellar, or dungeon-like setting. Without additional context from the magazine's text or surrounding pages, the specific political or social satire isn't entirely clear from the image alone. The caption "According to Hoyle" is a period phrase meaning "by the rules" or "properly," suggesting the cartoon comments on how something is being done "correctly" according to established standards—though the grim setting implies ironic commentary on those standards themselves. The dramatic chiaroscuro lighting emphasizes the unsettling atmosphere.