The Wasp — 1889 — page 276: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes financial manipulation and corruption. The image shows a military or official figure (left) and a woman in elaborate dress (right) blowing bubbles—likely representing inflated financial schemes or false prosperity. A small child between them appears trapped or constrained, possibly symbolizing the common people harmed by these schemes. The bubbles and the title "An Official Drawing" suggest a critique of government or official endorsement of fraudulent economic practices. The woman's ornate dress and jewelry, combined with the money visible on the child's clothing, emphasize themes of greed and wealth disparity. The cartoon warns readers that official authority was being used to legitimize financial deception that victimized ordinary citizens.