The Wasp — 1877 — page 209: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main illustration shows a wasp attacking or confronting a figure labeled "Sargent" who appears to be sleeping or reclining. The caption reads: "Sargent goes to sleep with his bust before him." This is political satire targeting someone named Sargent, likely a public figure of 1877. The joke appears to involve Sargent being attacked by the publication's namesake wasp while literally sleeping beside his own bust (a sculptured head), suggesting either vanity, incompetence, or complacency. The specific reference is unclear without additional historical context about who Sargent was and what controversy he was involved in during this period. The page also contains various brief political and social commentary items typical of The Wasp's satirical format.