Judge — January 14, 1888 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes **Grover Cleveland**, whose name appears in the caption asking if he can convince a dog that "the shadow is better than the substance." The image depicts a dog gazing at its reflection in water—a reference to Aesop's Fable of the Dog and the Shadow, where a greedy dog loses real food while chasing its reflection. The satire appears to criticize Cleveland for pursuing what the cartoonist considers illusory or insubstantial policies or promises ("shadow") while neglecting practical governance ("substance"). The specific political complaint is unclear without additional 1888 context, but it represents typical partisan criticism of Cleveland's presidency. Artist: **Hamilton** (visible signature).