Judge — December 21, 1895 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon parodies the William Tell legend (the Swiss hero forced to shoot an apple off his son's head). The image shows caricatured figures in what appears to be a European castle setting, with exaggerated facial features typical of 19th-century satirical art. The caption "refuse to w to the old hat" (likely "refuse to bow to the old hat") suggests commentary on refusing submission to authority or tradition. The figures appear to represent political or social figures of the era, though specific identities aren't clear from the visible text. The satire likely critiques either European authoritarianism or American attitudes toward European power structures, using the Tell legend as a framework for discussing resistance to tyranny or outdated hierarchies. The artist's signature "GILLAM" appears at bottom right.