The Wasp — 1890 — page 318: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page satirizes women's growing participation in athletics during the late 19th century. The top section features four crude caricatures depicting women engaged in exercise: "Bar exercise," "Pulley and rope exercise," "Exercise with the club," and "Fencing." The exaggerated, unflattering drawings mock women's athletic pursuits, presenting them as absurd or unladylike. The remainder of the page contains California political news, including discussion of Governor Waterman, potential gubernatorial candidates, and various political appointments. These items appear unrelated to the athletic satire above, suggesting the magazine's mixed content format combining humor with political commentary typical of 1880s satirical publications.