The Wasp — 1895 — page 175: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes military-industrial power and corruption. A large, pompous military figure (labeled "Lord Burns") stands in the foreground wearing elaborate dress uniform with epaulettes, dominating the composition. Above him, figures labeled "Shades of Private Life" and what appears to be references to "Martin" and other names dangle like puppets on strings. On the right, industrial smokestacks (Potter Road Refinery) belch smoke while crowds of ordinary citizens kneel in worship-like poses toward the military figure. The cartoon critiques how industrial titans and military leaders command public deference and political power, with ordinary people reduced to supplicant masses. The "sun-worship" title suggests blind, unquestioning devotion to corrupt authority figures who pull society's strings.