Puck — July 16, 1879 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Puck Magazine, July 16, 1879 **Main Cartoon: "Sat Upon!"** This satirizes the Vanderbilt family's conduct during a public scandal. The illustration depicts well-dressed figures riding in a boat labeled "Board of Derelicts," being crushed beneath a giant foot. The caption suggests a Vanderbilt family member ("Father") should have managed the situation better. **Upper Cartoon: "What Fools These Mortals Be"** References a Board of Aldermen's alleged honesty, with accompanying text by Ald. Morris claiming the board is trustworthy. The sardonic headline suggests skepticism about municipal government integrity. Both cartoons mock wealthy elites and corrupt civic institutions—typical Puck targets. The magazine presents itself as exposing hypocrisy among the powerful through satirical visual commentary.