Judge — February 10, 1923 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a chaotic office scene populated entirely by anthropomorphic monkeys, suggesting organizational incompetence or corruption. The title "Monkey Business" is a period pun meaning dishonest dealings or foolish behavior. The central figure, a large monkey at a desk surrounded by papers and bottles, appears to be a business or government official conducting dubious operations. Other monkeys throughout the office engage in various activities—some handling documents, others gesturing wildly—implying administrative disorder and malfeasance. The satire likely critiques specific contemporary business practices or political administration (circa early 1900s based on Judge's era), using the monkey caricature to mock those in power as unintelligent or unfit for their positions. The dense, frenzied composition emphasizes chaos and mismanagement masquerading as legitimate business.