Life — July 27, 1922 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is the cover of Life's "Midsummer Number," priced at 15 cents. The illustration, signed by artist W. McGlacken, depicts a woman in 1920s attire—cloche hat, loose-fitting dress with draped fabric, and pointed shoes—in a relaxed, reclining pose. The image likely represents the "modern woman" or "flapper" of the Jazz Age era, a figure that dominated 1920s popular culture and satire. The carefree, languid posture and fashionable styling suggest commentary on evolving social attitudes toward women's freedom and changing gender roles during this period. The "Midsummer Number" designation indicates this was a special summer issue, typical for magazines of the era.