Judge — October 1, 1887 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Questioning the Sphinx" - Judge Magazine, October 1, 1887 This political cartoon depicts the Great Sphinx of Giza as an enormous, enigmatic figure looming over a group of small Democratic editors (identifiable by their labels). The editors surround the Sphinx, frantically waving documents and papers, questioning it: "Are you a candidate for President, or are you not? Answer!" The satire plays on the Sphinx's famous unsolvable riddle and its stoic silence. The cartoonist uses the Sphinx as a metaphor for an unclear Democratic presidential position or candidate—likely referencing internal party confusion or evasiveness during the 1888 presidential election cycle. The Democrats appear desperate for clear answers from their party leadership, but receive only the Sphinx's characteristically inscrutable silence.