Life — February 2, 1922 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a theatrical illustration depicting a scene from Shakespeare's *Antony and Cleopatra*. The image shows two elaborately costumed figures in ancient Roman/Egyptian dress: Antony (male, in military armor) and Cleopatra (female, in ornate Egyptian costume with headdress). The caption presents a comedic exchange: - **Antony**: "Can I get you an ice?" - **Cleopatra**: "No; get me an asp." The joke is anachronistic wordplay. "Ice" (a frozen dessert) wouldn't exist in ancient times, making Antony's offer absurdly modern. Cleopatra's response references her historical suicide by asp bite, while "asp" sounds like "has," creating a pun on the modern offer of refreshment. The satire mocks theatrical productions that blend historical authenticity with contemporary elements.