The Wasp — 1895 — page 588: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts women swimming and diving in what appears to be a public bathhouse. The central figure performs a dramatic headstand dive while other women swim nearby, and observers watch from the shore. The caption identifies two female characters: "Miss Timed" and "Miss Taste," with dialogue suggesting Miss Timed will "strike the bottom of the tank" while Miss Taste has "no fear" but must "come down feet first to do that." The satire likely mocks Victorian-era anxieties about women's public bathing, physical activity, and undignified behavior. The exaggerated diving pose and the women's apparent lack of modesty were probably intended as humorous commentary on evolving social norms regarding female recreation and propriety.