Life — December 30, 1920 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts winged angelic or cherubic figures in a musical performance context. One figure sits at a piano on the left, while others hold instruments (appearing to be violins), suggesting they're performing together. The title "The Encore" indicates this is commentary on a repeated performance or continuation of something from the past year into the new year. The angelic imagery likely represents idealized or heavenly aspirations. Without clearer historical context or visible captions identifying specific figures, the exact political or social references remain unclear. However, the composition suggests satire about whether society's "better angels" or noble ideals will actually be practiced in the coming year, or merely repeated as empty encores of previous promises.