Life — July 19, 1929 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "See My Secretary" — Life Magazine, July 19, 1929 This cover illustration by Paul Steffan depicts a flirtatious office scene typical of 1920s humor. A man at a desk admires his attractive female secretary, who poses prominently while he works behind her. The cartoon plays on contemporary workplace dynamics and the era's light treatment of office romance and gender relations. The image reflects 1920s attitudes toward secretarial work—a growing female profession—often portrayed in popular media with sexual undertones rather than professional respect. The title "See My Secretary" suggests the woman is displayed as an accessory or status symbol rather than valued for her work. This satirizes both workplace culture and the objectification of women during the Jazz Age, presented here as humor for Life's readers.