The Wasp — 1887 — page 157: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a large wasp as an exterminator attacking military and political figures depicted as insects or pests. The title suggests the wasp represents reform or cleansing action. The scene shows uniformed military or government officials being attacked or driven away by the wasp. On the left, two men peer from a window, apparently officials observing the chaos below. The right side shows civilians (including children) fleeing up a ladder, suggesting the reform effort creates collateral disruption. The overall message appears critical: while reform ("the wasp") may target corrupt officials, it creates chaos affecting ordinary citizens. The print likely comments on 19th-century American political reform movements and their unintended social consequences, though specific figures remain unclear without additional context.