Judge — November 14, 1903 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Judge magazine cartoon satirizes a powerful figure compared to the Roman Emperor Nero, who infamously fiddled while Rome burned. The elegantly dressed man in the top hat on the left—wearing what appears to be a judicial or political sash—presides over a shipyard scene with workers and industrial activity. The cartoon's title "Modern Nero" and caption "Yes: I did it, and I'm glad of it!" suggest the figure is taking proud responsibility for some controversial action affecting labor or industry. The comparison implies he's indifferent to the consequences of his decisions on ordinary workers below him, much like Nero's legendary apathy during Rome's destruction. Without a clear date visible, the specific historical reference remains unclear, though the shipyard setting and labor context suggest early 20th-century industrial disputes or policies.