Life — July 25, 1918 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a medical/surgical scene labeled "Peace Operating Table," satirizing peace negotiations, likely from World War I era (dated 1918 visible in the image). The figure wearing a cap labeled "Civilization" appears to be a surgeon or doctor, operating on a patient representing "Peace." Other figures around the table seem to be observers or assistants—possibly representing different nations or political interests involved in peace treaty negotiations. The satire suggests that peace-making was being treated as a delicate surgical procedure requiring careful handling, or alternatively, that peace was being "operated on" (manipulated or carved up) by various powers at the negotiating table. The dark humor implies skepticism about whether these negotiations would successfully restore genuine peace.