The Wasp — 1895 — page 76: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a monkey attempting to access fine china and tableware on shelves labeled "Commissioner Alvordi" and other items. A banner reading "Dirty Frank" crosses the image, while a notice warns "Do Not Monkey With This Rare & Costly Bric-a-Brac." The cartoon appears to satirize someone—likely a political figure or official—being compared to a monkey, suggesting incompetence or unfit handling of valuable public or official items. The "Commissioner Alvordi" reference and the "Dirty Frank" banner suggest this targets a specific municipal official or politician of that era. The monkey metaphor was a common (and offensive) satirical device used to mock political opponents' inability to properly manage resources or offices.