The Wasp — 1892 — page 132: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is the cover of *The Wasp* (San Francisco satirical magazine), dated February 13, 1892. The cartoon depicts a cherub or Cupid figure presenting a "Valentine's invitation" to what appears to be a shop window display labeled "VALENTINES." The shop window contains numerous portrait sketches or caricatures arranged in rows, likely representing notable San Francisco figures or politicians of the era. The ornate decorative frame suggests these are "choices" for Valentine's Day selections. The caption reads: "Go choose your east, go choose your west, / Go choose the one that you love best." The satire appears to mock either San Francisco's political figures or social elite by presenting them as "Valentine options"—suggesting readers could "choose" among these personalities. The specific identities of the portraits are unclear from the image alone.