The Wasp — 1888 — page 377: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This appears to be a **promotional advertisement** rather than political satire. The engraving showcases Hotel del Monte, a luxury California resort, through a decorative collage of scenes depicting the property's attractions. The central circular vignette shows an elegant interior ballroom or conservatory with well-dressed guests. Surrounding elements include: a couple relaxing outdoors (upper left), the hotel's impressive architecture, landscaped gardens with flowering plants, leisure activities like horseback riding and boating, and idyllic grounds with cottages. The romantic, pastoral aesthetic emphasizes the resort as an exclusive destination for wealthy visitors seeking refined leisure and natural beauty—positioning it as the premier Pacific Coast hotel of its era. The credit line reads "Schmidt Label & Lith Co."