Life — November 18, 1926 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine depicting two grotesque figures in what appears to be a corrupt transaction. The figure on the left is labeled "PROSPERITY" (marked with a bag), while the one on the right wears an apron labeled "MELLON" (likely Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon). A third figure labeled "CO." is visible in the background. The cartoon satirizes wealthy financial interests exploiting "Prosperity" for personal gain. The caption—"For what we are about to receive—"—suggests ironic commentary on unequal distribution of economic benefits, implying that ordinary citizens will receive little while wealthy industrialists and politicians enrich themselves. This likely critiques 1920s-era tax policies and the concentration of wealth among the wealthy and politically connected.