Judge — May 24, 1890 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cover from May 24, 1890, depicts a priest or monk kneeling in prayer inside a Gothic church, while mischievous boys appear in the background near a balcony. The title "The Very Wicked Little Boys" suggests satire about childhood misbehavior in religious settings. The cartoon likely mocks either: 1. Boys' disruptive conduct during church services, or 2. The contrast between religious solemnity and children's inability to maintain proper behavior The ornate stained-glass window and architectural details establish the sacred setting, emphasizing the incongruity of the boys' apparent pranks. This appears to be gentle social satire about a common Victorian concern—maintaining order and decorum during religious observance—rather than commentary on specific political events.