Judge — September 18, 1886 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Stricken Down" (Judge, September 18, 1886) This political cartoon depicts a woman in classical allegorical style (likely representing Justice or Labor) collapsed or "stricken down." She's surrounded by symbols of poverty and hardship—a relief fund container is visible at bottom right. The image appears to reference labor unrest or economic distress from 1886, a year marked by significant labor strikes and the Haymarket affair in Chicago. The collapse of the female figure suggests the defeat or wounding of a social cause—possibly workers' rights or fair labor practices. The classical drapery and pose elevate the subject to serious political commentary rather than mere reporting. Without additional text explaining which specific event this satirizes, the exact target remains unclear, though the timing suggests contemporary labor conflicts.