Life, 1925-12-03 · page 78 of 84
Life — December 3, 1925 — page 78: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **fruit advertisement**, not political satire. It's a Life magazine ad for Sealdsweet tangerines from Florida Citrus Exchange (Tampa). The "His Excellency" framing playfully personifies the tangerine as a dignified Chinese nobleman—"a haughty member of an old Chinese family." This anthropomorphization was common in early-to-mid 20th century advertising. The text describes the fruit's appeal: easy-to-peel skin, firm red flesh, and suitability as a Christmas gift for hospital patients. The elaborate illustration of tangerines in a decorative basket reinforces the product's luxury positioning. The phrase about visiting hospitals "to delight the convalescent" reflects the practice of bringing fruit to sick people—presenting tangerines as thoughtful gifts. This reflects no deeper satire; it's straightforward product marketing using whimsical characterization and holiday association to encourage purchase.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Ais Excellency THE TANGERINE (ASYHE TANGERINE is a harbinger of Christmas. You see his gorgeous coat in the gay, colorful baskets of holiday fruit and he makes frequent journeys to the hospital to delight the convalescent. A haughty member of an old Chinese family, the Tangerine has a piquance of flavor all its own. His regal coat slips back easily, revealing the firm, red- dish, luscious fruit. Like the other members of the citrus family, The Tangerine thrives best in Florida where the scions of his family are carefully selected and packed for you under the Sealdsweet label. FLORIDA CITRUS EXCHANGE, TAMPA FLORIDA’S FINEST TANGERINES comicbooks.com