Life — April 19, 1923 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration titled "King Solomon's Wives and Children Hold Their Annual Parade," which uses biblical reference as a framework for social commentary. The image depicts a crowded, chaotic procession with numerous figures, elaborate costumes, and various activities occurring simultaneously within a fortified compound or palace setting. The satire appears to mock excessive consumption, overpopulation, or possibly critiques wealth inequality and domestic excess—the "annual parade" of Solomon's legendary 700 wives and their many children becomes a vehicle for depicting chaos and extravagance. The detailed, busy composition emphasizes absurdity through sheer visual overload. Without additional context from Life magazine's publication date, the specific contemporary target remains unclear, though the cartoon likely commented on contemporary American social conditions through historical allegory.