The Wasp — 1890 — page 496: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical page contains two main illustrated sections with accompanying text commentary. The upper cartoon labeled "Phonographia" depicts a figure (likely representing a poet or literary figure) with exaggerated features, appearing to mock someone's artistic pretensions. The text references Mr. English's candidacy and various literary figures like Shakespeare, suggesting satirical commentary on pretentious California literary culture. The lower cartoon titled "WITH ONE STROKE" shows figures in what appears to be a domestic or social scene, with text mentioning "Miss Morrison" and "Mr. Featherly," suggesting satire of romantic or social conventions of the era. The page's text discusses California philanthropy, railroad expansion, and newspaper editorial practices, indicating The Wasp's typical focus on mocking San Francisco's business elite and social pretensions during the late 19th century. The specific identities of caricatured individuals remain unclear without additional historical context.