The Wasp — 1888 — page 170: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon from *The Wasp* (March 3, 1888) depicts an ape-like caricature playing a flute labeled "FREE TRADE" while gazing at an ornate mirror. The creature appears to be imitating a refined, decorated shield or emblem displayed in the mirror. The satire critiques free trade policy as an absurd or degrading imitation of something more sophisticated. The ape's grotesque features—exaggerated facial hair, bulging eyes, and simian form—suggest those promoting free trade are portrayed as uncouth or intellectually inferior. The mirror reflection implies they're blindly copying a false ideal. The title "Disastrous Imitation" makes clear the cartoonist views free trade advocacy as foolish mimicry with harmful consequences.