Life, 1919-04-03 · page 2 of 60
Life — April 3, 1919 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is **primarily an advertisement**, not political satire. It's a full-page ad for "Un Cir Embaume," a perfume by Rigaud (16 Rue de la Paix, Paris). The ad uses an Orientalist fantasy scene to market the product—showing a seated woman surrounded by shadowy figures in what appears to be an exotic, mysterious setting. A perfume bottle and vanity case are displayed in the foreground. The copy emphasizes the perfume's "touch of the Orient" and "clinging atmosphere of distinction." This reflects early 20th-century Western consumer culture's fascination with romanticized "Eastern" imagery to sell luxury goods to affluent women. There is **no political cartoon or satire** on this page—it's commercial marketing using period aesthetic conventions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Gy , Undir Gmbaume —the exclusive perfume with a touch of the Orient—and a clinging atmosphere of distinction all its own. Extract, Toilet Water, Face Powder, Solid Powder, and Rouge (in Li 1u0 handsome metal case) Talcum, Toilet Powder, Sachet Vanity Case Al exclusive stores in America 16 Rue de la Paix, Paris