Beware the beautiful witch, 1913

The following Halloween-themed Life Magazine cover by Power O’Malley is from 30 October 1913 (vol. 62; No. 1618 in fact).

The smiling witch is faintly illuminated by moonlight, her hair is blown back but the fall of her gorgeous gown shows that she is not speeding through the night. Rather, she is hovering over the sleepy water-side town. Perhaps she is looking for something, or someone.

O’Malley has titled the painting ‘Beware’; presumably because the male reader of Life should ‘be-aware’ of, or ‘be warned’ about, the irresistible physical allure of this beautiful witch who is displaying her perfect teeth, pale skin, and her delightful figure to considerable effect. If she swooped out of the sky for you, could you resist?