Life, 1928-03-08 · page 12 of 43
Life — March 8, 1928 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon satirizes modern art. Two conventionally-dressed observers view an abstract sculptural work with exaggerated, voluptuous forms. The caption mocks the pretentiousness of artistic interpretation: one figure dismisses it as merely "a little portrait" while wondering if they've "caught the full weight of my soul force"—poking fun at artists' grandiose claims about their abstract work and collectors' willingness to accept vague spiritual justifications for incomprehensible art. The article below, "Where America Leads the World," celebrates American business achievement through personal anecdotes of rapid success—a young man becoming an industrial leader, a couple reconciling through business deals. The accompanying fish cartoon appears unrelated to the text, likely serving as filler. The overall page reflects 1920s-era American pride in capitalist dynamism and satirical skepticism toward modern artistic movements.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“Just a little portrait of you I dashed off! — ad ee ~ - How do you like it?” “It’s sincere. Jeff, and nuancy, but I wonder if you've caught the full weight of my soul force.” Where America Leads the World my own eyes, and without moving AST night I saw a heroic scene. With my own eyes I saw a young man suddenly turn bold knock down, in rapid succession, eight or ten great bruisers, one after the other, sowie, cowie....I didn’t know before that it could be done. Last night, at the same place, I saw a simple, young, inexperienced lad from a small town come to a large city, engage in business and in a short time outwit the finest brains in the steel industry....I didn't know before that it could be done. Last night I saw a husband and wife, who had never agreed about anything since the day of their mar- riage, become suddenly reconciled at the admonition of a lisping child of three. ...1 didn’t know before that it could be done. Last night I saw a young and rather simpering girl meet a well- balanced business man and inside of ten minutes make such a monkey of him that he offered her his steam yacht....1 didn't know before that it could be done. Seems incredible, but I saw it with from my seat. To me, everything I saw was extraordinary. Zxcept the motion picture itself. It was just an average one. Homer Croy. Tue Smart One: Gracious! I hope this isn’t Friday. comicbooks.com