Judge — May 25, 1889 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a Judge magazine cover featuring an illustration by Hamilton (signed lower left). The central image depicts a soldier or military figure in full gear, holding a rifle and spade, standing amid rubble and debris. The decorative text "Judge" appears stylized at top, with "'89" marked below. The title "Judge Building" at bottom references the magazine's headquarters at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 16th Street in New York City. The soldier and construction debris likely allude to building or reconstruction—possibly commentary on post-Civil War reconstruction efforts or urban development occurring in 1889. The soldier's prominent placement suggests either militarism in contemporary American life or associations between military strength and national progress. Without additional context, the specific satirical target remains unclear.