The Wasp — 1890 — page 265: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page illustrates popular song titles of the era through satirical vignettes. Each cartoon pairs a song title with a visual gag: - "How Can I Leave Thee?" shows a man departing while a woman pleads - "Floating Gently Down the Stream" depicts boating figures - "I Will Not Ask to Press That Cheek" shows a woman's face - "I Am a Dandy, But No Dude" features a fashionably dressed man - "There's No Place Like Comb" shows grooming items - "Only One Lock of Hair" depicts a person with a mirror - "By the Blue Sea" shows beach/seaside scenery - "Where Did You Get That Hat?" illustrates hat-related humor at what appears to be a shop ("Kingsbury") The cartoons are gentle parodies, playing on literal interpretations of song titles rather than addressing serious political or social issues. This represents 19th-century popular entertainment satire.