Life — February 22, 1917 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not a cartoon or satire page**—it's a **luxury automobile advertisement** for the Locomobile Company of America, published in *Life* magazine (page 294). The page features a photograph of a Locomobile limousine and marketing copy emphasizing the vehicle's exceptional design, craftsmanship, and quality. The advertisement positions the car as a work of art rather than mere transportation, comparing its creation to jewelry-making. The decorative border and refined typography reflect the upscale audience *Life* targeted. The price range ($4,700 to $9,700) indicates this was a luxury product during the early automobile era. This represents early 20th-century automotive advertising strategy: appealing to wealthy consumers through appeals to taste and exclusivity rather than practical features.