The Wasp — 1895 — page 286: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a wealthy couple during Easter season. The woman wears an elaborate outfit with fashionable puffy sleeves (1890s style) and holds an ornate parasol, while the man sits reviewing what appears to be bills or receipts. The caption reads: "Mrs. Upperton—But it's a perfect duck of a hat, dear! Mrs. Upperton's (referring to his wife) hat. It must be a whole flock of ducks, madam." The joke satirizes excessive Easter spending and fashion among the wealthy. The man's exasperated comment about "a whole flock of ducks" plays on the woman's description of her hat as "a perfect duck" (slang for something excellent), while implying the extravagant cost has depleted his finances. It's social commentary on conspicuous consumption and gender dynamics around luxury spending.