Judge — June 23, 1888 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge cartoon satirizes a political figure (labeled "Roman," likely referring to a contemporary politician) depicted as Hercules attempting an impossible task. The bloated, well-fed figure strains to lift or manage something labeled with text on his garment, while a smaller demon or devil-like character at his feet complicates his efforts. The title "The Ticket Strengthened! An Herculean task for the poor old Roman" suggests the cartoon mocks efforts to strengthen a political "ticket" (slate of candidates). The imagery implies this task is impossibly difficult—comparing it to Hercules's legendary labors. The satirical point appears to be that strengthening this particular political ticket or candidate is futile given the impediments shown, though the specific political context and identity of "Roman" remain unclear without additional historical documentation.