Life — December 20, 1917 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine depicts famous historical English figures reimagined as "Barnard's Lincoln"—presumably referring to a contemporary figure or political model. The caption reads: "HOW WOULD ENGLAND LIKE IT IF HER FAMOUS MEN WERE MODELED LIKE BARNARD'S LINCOLN?" The caricatures shown are Shakespeare, Gladstone, Nelson, Dickens, Sarmard's Lincoln, Wellington, Garrick, and George (on horseback). The satire appears to mock how these celebrated figures would appear if styled or modeled after an unflattering depiction of Lincoln. Without clearer context about "Barnard's Lincoln," the joke likely criticized either a specific artwork, sculpture, or portrayal—suggesting that England's greatest figures would look ridiculous if subjected to similar treatment.