Judge — September 7, 1889 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a political cartoon titled "A Portrait of Commissioner Tanner Painted" with a chorus of critics. The image shows a seated man (presumably Commissioner Tanner) on the left, while on the right, caricatured demonic or grotesque figures labeled "RASCAL," "BOODLE FOE," and "G—GUTTERS" emerge from or surround a painting, holding what appears to be a bag labeled "BOODLE" (slang for bribes/corrupt money). The cartoon satirizes Tanner by depicting him being painted by corrupt critics or political enemies who are literally conjuring up images of scandal and financial impropriety. The demons represent accusations of corruption and dishonest dealings. The satire suggests Tanner's reputation is being constructed through malicious portrayal rather than fact—the critics are quite literally painting him as corrupt.