The Wasp — 1896 — page 598: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is artwork titled "Art of the Day," credited to painter Paul Peel and engraved by California Photo Engraving Co. The image depicts an elderly bearded man (appearing to be an artist, given the paintbrushes visible) observing a nude young model from behind. The satire likely comments on academic art practice of the era—specifically the tension between artistic legitimacy and the voyeuristic nature of life-model sessions. The title "Cupid in the Nudes" is a pun mixing classical art references (Cupid in paintings) with the model's nudity. The work appears to mock either: pretentious art world practices, aging artists' motivations, or society's prudish attitudes toward artistic nudity. Without additional context about The Wasp's typical targets, the specific satirical point remains somewhat unclear.