Life, 1919-09-04 · page 48 of 48
Life — September 4, 1919 — page 48: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **Victrola (phonograph) advertisement**, not a political cartoon. The page features an ad promoting Victor Talking Machine Company's records and equipment. The ad references famous opera singers of the era—**Melba, Caruso, Alda, Martinelli, and Bori**—performing "O soave fanciulla" from *La Bohème*. These were celebrated Metropolitan Opera stars of the early 20th century. The advertisement's strategy appeals to emotional and cultural aspirations: it argues that great music "mirrors the emotions we ourselves experience" and that owning a Victrola satisfies humanity's innate craving for music and beauty. The product range ($12 to $950) suggests models for different income levels. There is **no satire or cartoon content**—this is straightforward commercial messaging using prestige associations (famous opera, human emotion, cultural refinement) to market consumer technology to American readers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Great music that plays upon your heart-strings The music which makes the strongest appeal is that which is the most human—which mirrors the emotions we ourselves experience. That is why “O soave fanciulla” (Thou Sweetest Maiden) from La Boheme is admittedly one cf the greatest love duets in all opera. And no matter which of the three Victrola Records of this superb number you choose to hear, the passionate beauty of the artists’ interpretations makes you feel the lovers’ ecstasy of joy. It is music such as this that makes the world shine brighter; that makes you glad of the companionship of the Victrola. It satisfies the longing for the sunshine of music which your very nature craves. Victors and Victrolas $12 to $950. Any Victor dealer will gladly play any music you wish to hear, New Victor Records demonstrated at all dealers on the Ist of each month “Victrola” is the Resi Trademark of the Victor Talking Machine Company dex %@ the products of this Company only. ictor Talking Machine Co., Camden, N i . =o chum and Rudolph singing ou Sweetest Maider’ tn La Boheme Melba - Caruso Alda - Martinelli Bori- corm comicbooks.cqaiy