Life — August 28, 1919 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This artwork depicts a classical allegorical scene showing a cherub or cupid figure engaged with a mermaid or sea creature. The title "A Submarine Engagement" is a double entendre playing on the word "engagement" — both a romantic commitment and a military confrontation. Given the 1919 publication date, this likely references World War I's recent conclusion and the submarine warfare that devastated Allied shipping. The satire juxtaposes romantic/amorous imagery with military terminology, possibly mocking romantic notions about wartime or making crude jokes about naval combat. The classical artistic style and mythological figures were typical of Life's satirical approach to contemporary events. The artist's signature appears to read "Orlo C. Osling."