A complete issue · 24 pages · 1913
Judge — July 5, 1913
# "A Man of Affairs" This Judge magazine page depicts a satirical scene titled "A Man of Affairs," credited to artist James Montgomery Flagg. The illustration shows three figures engaged in what appears to be a manicure or nail-care scene, with one man seated while others attend to his hands and nails. A dog is also present. The satire likely mocks a wealthy or influential man's excessive attention to personal grooming and appearance—suggesting vanity and concern with superficial matters rather than substantive affairs. The title's irony is key: a genuine "man of affairs" (someone handling important business) would be occupied with serious matters, not elaborate personal grooming. This was a common Judge magazine theme: ridiculing the frivolous preoccupations of the leisure class or specific public figures.
# "A Spring Chicken" - Judge Magazine, July 5, 1913 This page is primarily an **advertisement** for a print ("A Spring Chicken" by James Montgomery Flagg) rather than political satire. The illustration depicts an attractive young woman in a short dress, striking a confident pose. The accompanying text plays on the phrase "spring chicken" (slang for an attractive young woman), claiming the colored print captures her appeal perfectly—"dark blue and white bathing suit, peaches and cream complexion, black eyes and hair." The ad promises readers can own this image for 25 cents. The humor is gentle rather than satirical: it's a light, flirtatious marketing approach typical of early 20th-century advertising, appealing to male readers' appreciation of attractive women while celebrating Flagg's popular illustration style.
# Judge Magazine Cartoon Analysis This page from *Judge* magazine features two satirical cartoons. The top left shows a figure emerging from what appears to be a cornucopia or harvest vessel, with the caption "Oh! what a swat!" — likely commenting on harvest abundance or agricultural policy. The main illustration depicts a large outdoor gathering or picnic scene beneath a massive tree, labeled "Back to Nature." The crowded composition suggests satire of the contemporary "back to nature" movement — a popular early 20th-century trend advocating simplified living and nature connection. The cartoonist appears to mock this ideal by showing it attracting chaotic crowds, undermining the movement's premise of peaceful communion with nature. The circular inset shows a figure with grape juice, adding commentary (exact reference unclear).
