Life — February 23, 1922 — page 15: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *Life* magazine shows a dark, atmospheric image titled "Burning the Midnight Oil." The image depicts what appears to be a solitary figure or light source in near-total darkness, creating a dramatic contrast. The phrase "burning the midnight oil" is an idiom meaning to work late into the night. Without additional context or visible text explaining the cartoon's specific satirical intent, this appears to be either an illustration accompanying a story about overwork, industrialization, or labor conditions—common *Life* magazine concerns. The stark imagery suggests commentary on the hardships of excessive labor or the isolation of nighttime work. The specific political or social reference remains unclear from the image alone.