Life — October 21, 1920 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Michelin Universal Cord Advertisement This is primarily **advertising copy, not political satire**. It commemorates Michelin's 1895 invention of the pneumatic automobile tire. The famous **Michelin Man** (a rotund character made of tire treads) is the brand mascot, shown here in his characteristic puffy, segmented form holding a tire. He towers over early automobiles below, emphasizing the tire's importance to motoring. The text claims Michelin tires offer "durability and freedom from skidding" after "twenty-five years" of proven performance. This is a straightforward product advertisement emphasizing reliability through longevity and innovation. The Michelin Man became iconic American advertising imagery, but this page represents commercial promotion rather than political commentary or satire.