The Wasp — 1877 — page 41: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The page features a prominent illustration of a wasp attacking what appears to be a man's face. Based on the heading "LOOK OUT FOR CHARLES PEMBERTON," this caricature targets Pemberton, a specific public figure of 1877 San Francisco. The text warns the public to "keep a sharp look out for a man by the name of Charles Pemberton" who allegedly defrauds people. He's described as "a tall, sickly-looking creature" from Dublin with "big, bad feet." The article suggests he's a con artist evading collection efforts. The satirical wasp illustration metaphorically represents the magazine itself attacking fraudsters like Pemberton, exposing him to public ridicule and warning citizens of his schemes.