The Wasp — 1890 — page 178: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This illustration shows three women posing with a country lane scene, captioned as an entry in an amateur photographers' contest. The sketch depicts a staged rural tableau with the women in period dress. The accompanying text notes this was "taken at Mill Valley, May 5, 1896" and comments on the composition as "a piece of honest study" deserving "encouragement." The satirical point appears gentle—celebrating earnest amateur photography attempts rather than mocking them. The page also contains political content about Congressman McKenna, discussing his committee work and legislative accomplishments, plus theatrical reviews of contemporary productions. The magazine combines political commentary, social satire, and arts criticism typical of 1890s American satirical publications.