Life, 1923-03-29 · page 40 of 40
Life — March 29, 1923 — page 40: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is an advertisement, not political satire. It features a profile portrait of **Ignacy Jan Paderewski**, the famous Polish pianist and composer, identified by the nameplate below the oval frame. The ad promotes **Victrola phonographs** and **Victor Records** by claiming that "the greatest artists are Victor artists." It argues that Paderewski—presented as a pinnacle of artistic excellence—records exclusively for Victor, making his performances accessible to home listeners through their technology. The implicit message: owning a Victrola gives ordinary people access to world-class artistry. This was a common early-20th-century marketing strategy, using celebrity endorsements to validate a new consumer technology (the phonograph). The price range ($25–$1500) suggests Victrolas were luxury items for middle and upper-class households.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The greatest artists are Victor artists The name of Paderewski will be identified always with the greatest achieve- ments of the pianist’s art. Nothing short of perfection satisfies his artistic sense and in consequence you find him among the famous company of great artists who make records for the Victor. Through the medium of the Victrola and Victor Records you hear in your own home the art with which he charms the world. Victrolas in great variety —$25 to $1500. 2 Victrola . Important: Look for these trade-marks. Under the lid. On the label. Victor Talking Machine Company, Camden, New Jersey comicbooks.com