The Wasp — 1891 — page 450: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts two men in top hats standing on platforms labeled "Sport" and "Heavy Swell," appearing to represent different social classes or types. The figure on the left wears striped trousers and displays numerous medals and decorations, suggesting military pretension or false authority. The figure on the right sports an ornate double-breasted coat, positioning himself as fashionably wealthy. A third figure on the left (partially visible) appears to be labeled "Actor," suggesting theatrical or performative social climbing. The satire likely mocks the pretensions and affectations of different social archetypes in late 19th-century American society—critiquing how people of different classes use clothing, medals, and appearance to project false status or importance. The visible text mentions substituting "wooden business" with "equally ornamental" alternatives, suggesting commentary on superficial social performance.