The Wasp — 1887 — page 21: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes Father Edward McGlynn, an Irish-American Catholic priest involved in a 19th-century controversy. The title references McGlynn's public defiance of papal authority—depicted as a literal "bull" (papal decree) labeled "LEO XIII" (Pope Leo XIII). The giant papal head looms menacingly over a small figure (McGlynn) wielding what appears to be a sword or lance, suggesting his challenge to church authority. The banner references "Property" and "Poverty," likely alluding to McGlynn's social activism and land-reform positions, which conflicted with Vatican doctrine. The smaller bearded figure (right) appears to represent another political actor in this dispute. The overall message critiques the tension between McGlynn's American progressive ideals and institutional Catholic Church power.