The Wasp — 1893 — page 469: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts three well-dressed gentlemen in top hats sweeping mud or filth outside a Gothic church. The text banner reads "Upon this Rock I build my Church," a biblical reference to religious authority. The caption references "the recent Briggs trial," though the complete context is cut off. The image appears to satirize corruption or scandal connected to religious institutions—the gentlemen are literally cleaning up "dirt" associated with the church. Their formal attire and the sweeping gesture suggest either an attempt to cover up wrongdoing or to restore the church's public reputation following the trial's revelations. The satire criticizes institutional hypocrisy or complicity in misconduct.