The Wasp — 1896 — page 976: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration from *The Wasp* depicts Professor Braunhardt dressed as a child in oversized formal attire—sailor collar, jacket, boots—surrounded by symbols of political education: books and a hat labeled with text (partially visible). The cartoon mocks Braunhardt by literalizing the phrase "political kindergarten," suggesting his weekly lecture series in 1897 was elementary or childish in nature. The caricature portrays him as an overgrown infant learning "the rudiments of the trade" (politics), as the caption notes. The satire implies his political knowledge or teaching is unsophisticated—fit for children rather than serious adults. This appears to be a personal attack on Braunhardt's credibility or competence as a political educator during the 1890s.