A complete issue · 24 pages · 1911
Judge — April 15, 1911
# "The Last of Lent" — Judge Magazine, April 15, 1911 This illustration depicts a woman in fashionable Edwardian dress and a large feathered hat, appearing to indulge in a lavish meal—likely meat or rich food. The caption "The Last of Lent" is the satire's key. Lent, the Christian pre-Easter period of fasting and self-denial, traditionally forbade meat consumption on certain days. The cartoon satirizes the hypocrisy of wealthy society women who observed Lenten restrictions superficially for religious appearance, then immediately abandoned restraint once the period ended. The woman's elaborate hat, fine clothing, and eager consumption suggest she represents privileged Americans who treated religious observance as a social formality rather than genuine spiritual discipline. The satire mocks both hollow piety and excessive materialism among the upper class.
# Analysis This is primarily a **contents page and advertising layout** for Judge magazine's Easter number (Vol. LX, No. 1539), rather than a political cartoon. The visible advertisements include: - **Blatz Beer** ("Private Stock"), promoting Milwaukee brewing - **Rémoh Gems** (jewelry/diamonds) - **Judge Binders** ($1.25) The contents list shows typical satirical pieces for 1911: "Delacing Billboards Must Go," "Boston Wrestling Women," and "Idle Thoughts of a Militant Suffragette"—indicating the magazine's focus on contemporary social issues like advertising regulation and women's suffrage activism. The subscription rates ($5.00 yearly) and publishing details anchor this as an early 20th-century American publication targeting educated readers with disposable income.
# Page Analysis This page is primarily **advertising** with minimal satirical content. The main advertisements include: - **Trimble Whiskey**: Features two hands toasting with the slogan "when you do drink, drink Trimble," promoting a toast "to our absent friends." - **Waltham Watches**: Offers discounted jewelry and watches for Easter gifts, emphasizing affordability. - **20th Century Limited train**: Advertises overnight rail service between New York/Boston and Chicago, promoting efficient business travel. The left column contains small novelty illustrations titled "Some Outfitting Novelties for the Coming Season," showing practical items like trouser presses and riding breeches. A small notice mentions Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup and Song Poems services. The page reflects early 20th-century consumer culture and commercial rail travel rather than political satire.
