The Wasp — 1896 — page 352: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **advertising and business directory**, not political satire. The central image shows a medieval or Renaissance-era couple in period dress with the caption "IT WAS THE SAME IN THOSE DAYS," followed by dialogue between "a Count" and "the Minister" about a husband's infidelity. The joke appears to be a **timeless commentary on marital infidelity**—suggesting that unfaithful husbands existed even in historical times, presented as lighthearted social commentary rather than sharp political satire. The rest of the page consists of San Francisco hotel, restaurant, and business advertisements, including dental services, saloons, and manufacturing companies. This was typical of satirical magazines, which relied heavily on advertising revenue.