The Wasp — 1891 — page 414: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts the Governor of Oregon awaiting President Harrison's visit. The central figure is an extremely obese man in formal attire, shown nervously preparing himself in a reception room—adjusting his appearance and checking a pocket watch, suggesting anxiety about making a good impression. The caption quotes the governor saying he will be available between 2 and 4 o'clock for the presidential meeting. A smaller figure visible in the background appears to represent the President or his staff. The satire mocks the Oregon governor's obvious nervousness and self-consciousness, likely ridiculing his vanity or perceived importance. The exaggerated corpulence emphasizes his absurd preoccupation with his appearance before a dignitary's arrival.