The Wasp — 1894 — page 67: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes San Francisco's wealthy elite during economic hardship. The illustration shows an elegantly dressed woman in expensive finery being escorted by two gentlemen in formal attire on "Nob Hill" (San Francisco's wealthy neighborhood). The caption quotes dialogue about fancy dress balls: one character notes such balls remain popular in San Francisco despite hard times, while another responds that costume expenses don't justify the cost. The satire targets the perceived extravagance and tone-deaf behavior of the rich during economic difficulty—they continue hosting lavish fancy-dress balls and wearing expensive costumes while ordinary people struggle. The cartoon mocks the disconnect between the wealthy's continued indulgence and the broader economic crisis affecting the city. The page also advertises a contest offering $300 in prizes for collecting "Wasp" coupons.