Life — December 5, 1918 — page 50: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration shows an older man sitting in a chair demonstrating what appears to be a magic trick or sleight-of-hand with string to a young girl standing before him. The caption "THE NEW TRICK" suggests he's teaching her something deceptive. The humor likely plays on the contrast between the elderly figure's shabby appearance and worn clothing versus the domestic, respectable setting. The "trick" being demonstrated—possibly related to gift-wrapping or some form of deception—may satirize either parental trickery around Christmas gift-giving, or commentary on social pretense during the holiday season. Without additional context about Life magazine's specific 1920s-era satirical focus, the precise social target remains unclear, though the image appears to mock holiday-related deception or fraud.