The Wasp — 1889 — page 49: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts men in formal business attire engaged in an acrobatic, chaotic activity around a table, appearing to perform contorted positions. The title "The Favorite Game" suggests this is social commentary on contemporary behavior among the wealthy or powerful class. The scene's visual chaos—with figures upside-down and twisted—likely mocks either financial speculation, political maneuvering, or social climbing among gentlemen of means. The printer credit "SCHMIDT LABEL & LITH CO. S.F." indicates San Francisco publication. Without clearer identifying details or accompanying article text, the specific targets remain unclear, though the caricatured exaggeration typical of *The Wasp* suggests critique of some fashionable or corrupt practice among the era's elite. The absurdist physicality emphasizes the ridiculousness of whatever behavior is being satirized.