Life — October 9, 1919 — page 25: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration signed by Walser de Maris depicting what appears to be a supernatural or otherworldly encounter. On the left, two military or uniformed figures appear startled or distressed when confronted by ethereal, ghostly figures on the right—one appears angelic or otherworldly with wings suggested. The caption "Themselves" suggests these ghostly apparitions represent the soldiers' own reflections, consequences, or spiritual counterparts—possibly critiquing the human cost of military conflict or suggesting soldiers confronting the moral weight of their actions. Without the full article context, the specific historical moment remains unclear, but the imagery implies commentary on warfare's psychological or spiritual toll on combatants. The style and presentation suggest early-to-mid 20th century American satire.