Life — August 21, 1919 — page 40: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a **cigarette advertisement**, not satirical content. The page promotes Murad brand Turkish tobacco cigarettes, manufactured by S. Anargyros (visible on the package). The ad features three women in exotic, ornate headpieces and theatrical styling—likely referencing "Oriental" fashion trends popular in 1920s entertainment. This exoticized imagery was common in period advertising. The sales pitch emphasizes price: "It is true that ordinary cigarettes Cost a Trifle less. Judge for yourself!" The implication is that Murad's premium quality justifies higher cost. The date visible is August 21, suggesting this ran in Life magazine during that period. The ad reflects early 20th-century marketing strategies using glamorous female imagery and appeals to sophistication over economy.