The Wasp — 1890 — page 431: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a man in working-class attire (hat, checkered shirt) wielding a sword while bowing obsequiously to figures in the upper panel. The upper scene shows well-dressed gentlemen and a woman examining what appears to be a portrait or object of reverence. The satire appears to critique working-class deference to upper-class authority or objects of establishment power—the "venerated blade" likely references blind worship of institutions or leaders by laborers. The contrasting compositions (the bowing worker below, the comfortable elite above) emphasize class hierarchy and social inequality. Without additional context about *The Wasp* magazine's specific publication date and targets, the exact political reference remains unclear, though the cartoon's theme suggests commentary on labor exploitation or working-class submission to elite power structures.