The Wasp — 1877 — page 85: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts an elderly man labeled "Brother Jonathan" (a personification of the United States) sitting and holding up a valentine card. The card shows three figures: a man in a top hat standing between two women. The satire likely comments on American romantic or political entanglements, possibly from the 1870s era (based on The Wasp's publication period). "Brother Jonathan" was a common allegorical figure representing America or American interests. The valentine—traditionally associated with affection—here seems to mock whatever relationship or alliance the three figures represent, suggesting the situation is ridiculous or inappropriate. Without additional context about specific contemporary political events or figures from this issue, the exact targets of satire remain unclear, though it appears to criticize American foreign policy or domestic political alliances.