Puck — July 23, 1879 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Puck Magazine Cover, July 23, 1879 This satirical cover depicts "Our Latest Hero—Chased-in Cox," referencing a contemporary political or public figure named Cox who appears to be fleeing from pursuers. The main illustration shows a Black caricatured figure in formal dress being chased by what appears to be an angry mob or crowd of smaller figures. The signs held by pursuers reference "hair" and cigars, though the exact complaints are difficult to read clearly in the image. The header asks "What fools these Mortals be!"—Shakespeare's ironic quote suggesting human foolishness. Without clearer text on the signs or additional historical context, the specific scandal or incident being mocked remains unclear, though the cartoon clearly satirizes public shame or pursuit of a disgraced figure.