The Wasp — 1878 — page 111: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a satirical illustration featuring a rotund man in formal dress examining numerous cartoon sketches and illustrations scattered before him. The figure appears to be an editor, publisher, or artistic director reviewing submitted work. The scattered papers contain various comic scenes with characters in different situations—some appear to show domestic scenes, children, and social scenarios typical of early American comic illustration. The satire likely mocks the editorial process, artistic taste, or the volume of mediocre submissions received by publications. The figure's exaggerated physique and expression suggest criticism of editorial gatekeepers or their judgment. Without visible text identifying specific individuals or dated context, the precise satirical target remains unclear, though it appears to critique publishing industry practices or aesthetics of the era.