The Wasp — 1888 — page 247: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes James G. Blaine (identifiable by the caption "Blaine at Work"). The image depicts two street musicians performing in what appears to be a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean setting—suggested by the mosque visible in the background and the sign reading "Cleveland" (unclear reference, possibly ironic). A figure perched above them on a building ledge appears to be a "wasp" (the magazine's mascot), watching the scene. The cartoon likely critiques Blaine's political activities or foreign policy actions during his tenure as Secretary of State. The street musicians performing for coins suggests commentary on Blaine's political maneuvering or the consequences of his policies, though the specific historical context requires additional research to fully interpret the satire's exact target.