Life — June 29, 1922 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes wealthy urbanites' attempts at "roughing it" or acquiring rustic experiences. The title "Fresh Air de Luxe" mocks the contradiction between genuine outdoor recreation and aristocratic pretension. The sketches depict well-dressed city people on horseback and at what appears to be a country gathering (marked "6 A.M."), suggesting they're awkwardly participating in rural activities while maintaining their refined appearance and mannerisms. Key captions include "Oh girls, that foreign riding master" (implying hired instruction for basics), "The Theodore" (likely a character type), and "Confound it, that horse is laughing at me" — indicating the animals recognize their riders' incompetence. The satire targets wealthy people's superficial engagement with country life, treating outdoor pursuits as fashionable poses rather than genuine experiences.