The Wasp — 1890 — page 322: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes the Democratic National Convention. The central figure is a bearded man with distinctive glasses and long whiskers, appearing to be a caricatured party leader or delegate. He's depicted as an artist or painter, holding a palette and what appears to be a painting or portrait of a younger man's face. The satire suggests the Democratic Party is artificially constructing or "painting" its candidate—manufacturing an idealized image rather than presenting authentic leadership. The figure's exaggerated features and the act of artistic creation imply the convention process involves fabrication or presentation manipulation. A box labeled "THE NEW YORK" appears at the bottom, likely referencing New York's role in Democratic politics. The overall message critiques the convention's candidacy-selection process as cosmetic rather than substantive.