Puck — August 29, 1877 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes military aggression and its consequences. The image depicts a uniformed military figure (likely a general or emperor based on the ornate medals and regalia) wielding weapons—a sword and what appears to be a multi-chambered gun or revolver. The figure is shown in a aggressive, dominant pose. The caption "A Physiognomical Study in Memory of the Battle of Sedan, September 1st, 1870" references the Franco-Prussian War's decisive Battle of Sedan, where France suffered a catastrophic defeat. The subtitle suggests this represents the "first and last" such military action, likely criticizing militarism and predicting (or hoping for) an end to such devastating conflicts. The caricature style emphasizes the brutality inherent in military leadership and warfare.