The Wasp — 1891 — page 213: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page presents caricatured animal and human figures labeled with what appear to be 19th-century political figures or public personalities. Visible names include Dr. O'Donnell, Cleveland, Boss Kelly, Ben Butler, and others. The artwork uses animal morphing—depicting humans with exaggerated animal features (a turkey, donkey, ostrich, rat)—a common satirical technique to demean political opponents. The central large figure labeled "Ben Butler" dominates the composition. The surrounding smaller caricatures appear to mock various politicians through physical distortion and animal association, a harsh rhetorical strategy typical of period political satire. Without precise dating and more context about these specific figures' contemporaneous scandals or controversies, the exact satirical points remain unclear, though the intent to ridicule is unmistakable.