Judge — July 20, 1889 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Judge Magazine Cover, July 20, 1889 This satirical cartoon depicts anthropomorphized animals dressed as wealthy gentlemen and a woman, with the caption "The Animals: 'And Yet They Call Us Brutes!'" The image appears to be social commentary on human behavior and morality. Animals—dressed in top hats, fine clothing, and carrying weapons—are ironically expressing indignation at being called "brutes." The cartoon suggests that humans, despite their pretensions to civility and refinement, behave as brutishly as animals. The well-dressed figures in the background appear to represent human society, while the animal characters in foreground serve as a mirror to criticize human conduct. The satire mocks the hypocrisy of "civilized" society—that humans adopt formal dress and manners while committing acts as savage as any animal's.