Judge — May 11, 1889 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine page satirizes New York's celebration of George Washington's centennial (likely 1889). The main cartoon shows a policeman dramatically expanding in size—a visual gag suggesting officers became "inflated" with importance during the festivities. The circular vignettes on the left appear to be portraits displayed during centennial celebrations at two locations: Solomon Isaacs' and Alderman Casey's establishments. The text references "Washington Portraits displayed," implying these venues showcased commemorative imagery. The large central figure depicts someone (possibly a political figure or celebrant) in elaborate dress, suggesting the ostentatious nature of the celebrations. The satire likely mocks how ordinary civic figures gained outsized prominence, how merchants capitalized on the centennial with commercialized "Washington" merchandise, or how the celebration itself became excessive and self-aggrandizing rather than genuinely commemorative.