Judge — September 22, 1923 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This sketch by S. MacDonall depicts two figures in Victorian dress on a beach, relaxing by boats with a distant seaside resort visible. The title "Off Duty" suggests these are officials or workers—likely customs officials or harbor authorities—taking leisure time. The satire appears to target the contrast between public responsibility and private leisure, or possibly corruption: these duty-bound officials are absent from their posts while enjoying themselves. The detailed rendering of their relaxation, set against the working harbor scene, implies criticism of negligence or dereliction during working hours. Without additional context from Judge magazine's date, the specific political target remains unclear, though the cartoon critiques irresponsible public servants.