Judge — November 25, 1899 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts two grotesque, menacing figures looming over a couple dining at a table. The figures appear to be caricatures—possibly representing threats or anxieties of 1899 America. One figure on the left wears clothing marked "SPERRY," though the significance is unclear from the image alone. The two diners below seem oblivious or resigned to the threatening presences overhead, suggesting satirical commentary on Americans attempting to celebrate Thanksgiving despite lurking dangers or concerns of the period. The exaggerated, nightmarish quality of the looming figures implies the cartoon critiques some contemporary threat—possibly related to trusts, monopolies, or political figures—that haunted the American consciousness even during festive occasions. The signature appears to be by Cesare Liverati, a Judge magazine cartoonist.