Life — April 3, 1919 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Universal Treads Advertisement Analysis This appears to be a vintage advertisement for Universal Treads tires, likely from the early 20th century. The image shows a large tire with distinctive tread patterns being held up by three cartoon figures styled as the Michelin Man (the puffy, anthropomorphic mascot made of tire rings). The satire likely mocks or parodies the famous Michelin brand's iconic mascot and marketing dominance in the tire industry. By depicting multiple "Michelin men" struggling to support a competitor's product, the ad humorously suggests Universal Treads' superiority and weight/importance compared to rival brands. The visual joke plays on the recognizable mascot character as shorthand for tire advertising of this era.