Life — May 13, 1926 — page 2: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# DUCO Advertisement, Not Satire This is **not a political cartoon** but rather a **full-page advertisement** for DuPont's Duco automotive lacquer finish. The page promotes Duco as a premium car coating that provides both aesthetic beauty and practical protection. The central image shows a well-dressed couple admiring a glossy black automobile in a showroom, emphasizing how the finish conveys "good taste and beauty and pride of ownership." Surrounding the text are logos of major automobile manufacturers (Cadillac, Packard, Buick, Franklin, etc.) who used Duco finishes. The satirical element is minimal—the phrase "beauty insurance" humorously frames the coating as protective assurance rather than mere cosmetics. The ad targets wealthy car buyers concerned with maintaining their vehicles' showroom appearance.