The Wasp — 1878 — page 446: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main illustration shows a caricatured figure in clouds, appearing to depict someone of wealth or status in an exaggerated manner typical of Wasp's satirical style. However, the specific identity of the figure is unclear from the image alone. The page contains miscellaneous satirical commentary rather than a single coherent cartoon. Items mock various targets: a "Boxed Turkey" duel reference, Mrs. Jenes of New Orleans (widow of Captain Jenes), a New Yorker's burglar alarm invention, and various patent applications and social observations. The accompanying poem "The Door-Step" by E.C. Stedman appears unrelated to the satirical items. "The Quail" essay follows, discussing the bird's characteristics. Without clearer identification of specific figures or dated events referenced, the precise satirical targets remain ambiguous to modern readers.