Life — June 14, 1917 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a satirical illustration titled "The Holy Guard" depicting a street scene outside what looks like a grocery store (partially visible signage). The central figure is a bearded man in an apron with arms crossed, seemingly a shopkeeper or tradesman. He's surrounded by well-dressed men in coats and hats—likely representing authority figures or officials—and street children or urchins nearby. The satire likely critiques either labor conditions, child welfare, or the relationship between working-class merchants and urban authorities. The "holy guard" title suggests irony—perhaps mocking ineffectual protection of vulnerable populations or the pretense of moral guardianship by those in power while street children remain visible and neglected. The exact historical context remains unclear without additional publication details.