Life — May 20, 1920 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily a **Michelin tire advertisement**, not political satire. It features the Michelin Man (Bibendum), the company's famous mascot—a rotund, anthropomorphic figure made of tire treads—positioned inside a tire cutaway illustration. The ad promotes the "Universal Cord" tire with three selling points: superior tread-compound durability, improved skid resistance, and a sturdy oversize cord body. The Michelin Man's presence is purely branding; there is no cartoon or political commentary. The only noteworthy element for historical context is the mascot itself—already an established advertising icon by 1920 (Bibendum debuted in 1898)—demonstrating how early 20th-century advertising used distinctive character mascots to build brand recognition.