The Wasp, 1889 · page 319 of 450
The Wasp — 1889 — page 319: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This appears to be a satirical illustration titled "The Zoo" from *The Wasp* magazine. The cartoon depicts human figures with exaggerated, animalistic features interacting with actual goats and other creatures. The grotesque caricatures—particularly the distorted facial features of the human subjects—suggest the artist is mocking specific individuals or groups by portraying them as bestial or subhuman. Without visible text identifying the figures, I cannot definitively state who is being lampooned. However, this style of dehumanizing caricature was common in 19th-century satirical publications, often targeting political figures, ethnic groups, or social rivals. The title "The Zoo" reinforces the dehumanizing comparison. The exact satirical point requires additional context about *The Wasp's* publication date and contemporary controversies.