Life — April 10, 1919 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is a satirical advertisement for *Life* magazine itself, not a political cartoon. The winged figure appears to be an angel or allegorical spirit carrying a small house and person, hovering over a landscape. The accompanying text predicts that "The Earth and the fullness thereof / Will soon be no more / With Mr. Bryan to spread the dry wave over its surface." This references William Jennings Bryan, likely during his 1896 or 1900 presidential campaign. The satire suggests Bryan's policies (possibly his monetary positions or populist platform) would devastate the American landscape and economy. The "dry wave" implies drought or economic ruin spreading across the nation. The ad urges readers to find "consolation" in *Life* magazine subscriptions at ten cents.