Life — December 6, 1917 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is primarily a **Victor Victrola advertisement**, not political satire. The full-page ad asks "Will there be a Victrola in your home this Christmas?" The image depicts an elaborate Christmas scene with wealthy people in formal dress gathered around a decorated home, with Santa Claus and gifts visible. The ad promotes Victrola phonographs as luxury Christmas gifts, listing famous opera singers and classical musicians whose recordings are "exclusively for the Victor." The Victor dog logo ("His Master's Voice") appears at the bottom. The accompanying text emphasizes that Victrolas range from $10 to $200 and are available through Victor dealers worldwide. **This is consumer marketing**, positioning the phonograph as a sophisticated, aspirational Christmas purchase for affluent households—not political commentary.