Life, 1931-07-31 · page 2 of 37
Life — July 31, 1931 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis This is **primarily a Goodyear tire advertisement**, not political satire. The page features a portrait labeled "Portrait of a Lady by Velasquez" (referencing the famous Spanish painter), positioned above marketing copy for the "Double Eagle" tire brand. The ad's strategy associates the tire with artistic merit and refinement—suggesting that owning Goodyear tires reflects good taste and discrimination, much like appreciating classical paintings. The text emphasizes durability ("long dependable service free from fault or trouble") and value, noting the Double Eagle is "being priced far lower than was originally deemed possible." There is no political cartoon or satire present. This is straightforward commercial advertising using cultural prestige as a sales tool.