The Wasp — 1890 — page 494: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The cartoon depicts a well-dressed man in formal attire (top hat, fancy clothing) standing over a prone figure on the ground. The title "A Selfish Satirist" suggests social critique of a privileged person. The accompanying text describes two horsemen at a California resort, focusing on their appearance—one wearing "a silk shirt, barred in black, yellow and green" and sporting aristocratic mannerisms. The narrative critiques their pretentiousness and affected behavior. The satire appears directed at wealthy, self-important individuals who adopt exaggerated airs and display their status through ostentatious dress and demeanor. This was typical Wasp content: mocking the social pretensions and vanity of San Francisco's upper classes during the late 19th century. The rest of the page contains various advertisements and short humorous pieces.