1916 Life Magazine – “Breaking the News to a Turkish Friend’s Widow” – WWI Era

1916 Life Magazine – “Breaking the News to a Turkish Friend’s Widow” – WWI Era Cover by Paul Stahr This is an original Life Magazine, Vol. 68, No. 1776, dated November 9, 1916 — published by Life Publishing Company, New York. The striking cover illustration, titled “Breaking the News to a Turkish Friend’s Widow,” was painted by Paul Stahr, one of Life’s most notable illustrators during the early 20th century. This issue was published during World War I, and like many Life covers of the time, it reflects period satire, social commentary, and American perceptions of international affairs. The vivid chromolithographic cover shows a central male figure surrounded by women in ornate Turkish attire — a humorous and dramatic depiction typical of Life’s artistic style before its transformation into the photojournalistic magazine of later decades. Details • Publication: Life Magazine (humor & satire weekly, pre-photojournalism era) • Date: November 9, 1916 • Volume/Issue: Vol. 68, No. 1776 • Price: 10 cents • Publisher: Life Publishing Company, New York • Artist: Paul Stahr (signed lower left) • Dimensions: Approx. 10.75” x 8” • Cover Title: “Breaking the News to a Turkish Friend’s Widow” • Pages: Typically 30–40 pages (satire, advertisements, short essays, cartoons) Condition Notes • Overall very good vintage condition for its age (109 years old) • Cover colors remain vivid with moderate edge wear and one small tear along right edge (see photo) • Spine intact