The Wasp — 1889 — page 67: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration from *The Wasp* depicts a circus or performance scene with anthropomorphized animal figures displayed as attractions to an audience. The prominent caricatured human heads (labeled "PESCIA" on one figure) suggest this is political satire targeting specific public figures, though their exact identities require additional historical context to confirm. The circus setting—with performers on ladders, an audience, and a large decorated sphere—symbolizes the performance or spectacle of politics. The transformation of politicians into animal or beast-like creatures was a common satirical technique to mock their behavior or character. Without clearer date or caption information visible, the specific political events or individuals targeted remain unclear, though the overall message critiques public figures as performers engaged in theatrical deception.