The Wasp — 1895 — page 764: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is the cover illustration of *The Wasp*, a San Francisco satirical magazine. The cartoon depicts two allegorical figures: on the left, a personified globe wearing formal attire labeled "Art & Proper[ty]" (likely representing Western civilization and commerce), and on the right, a classical female figure (possibly representing Liberty or Progress) holding flowers and a dark object, presumably a ballot or similar symbol of democratic power. The caption states this shows "The Progress of Nineteenth Century Civilization, as Indicated by the Fact That the Eyes of the World on Them." The satire appears to comment on late-19th-century industrial and political developments—likely critiquing the relationship between commercial interests ("Art & Property") and democratic ideals, with the world watching these forces interact.