Life — January 19, 1922 — page 5: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine features an artistic illustration titled "A Witness for the Prosecution: Humanity vs. Submarine." The image depicts a ethereal female figure—representing "Humanity"—standing over what appears to be wreckage or corpses. Her outstretched arms suggest accusation or bearing witness. The composition uses her as an allegorical representation of human suffering. The subtitle "Humanity vs. Submarine" indicates this addresses submarine warfare, likely referencing World War I, when German U-boat attacks on civilian vessels caused significant casualties and provoked American outrage. The image positions Humanity as a witness testifying against the submarine as a weapon of war, critiquing its indiscriminate destruction of civilian life. This reflects *Life's* satirical anti-war stance and moral commentary on modern warfare's humanitarian costs.