Judge — November 12, 1892 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon depicts "The End of the Politica" (likely "Politica" or political season). The central figure is a woman in classical dress, surrounded by costumed performers including soldiers, jesters, and masked characters representing various political "professionals." The satire suggests that politics operates like theatrical entertainment or carnival performance—the assembled "chorus of professionals" are portrayed as actors in costume rather than serious statesmen. The woman appears to be concluding or dismissing this theatrical political spectacle. The cartoonist critiques how political actors perform for public consumption, treating governance as entertainment rather than substantive work. The classical female figure likely represents either Liberty, Democracy, or the American Republic witnessing this circus of professional politicians.