The Wasp — 1890 — page 284: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts "A Faithless Shepherd Meets the New Democracy." The main figure—a man in a top hat riding a large, bearded goat—represents a political leader abandoning his responsibilities. The goat itself appears labeled as "the new democracy," suggesting the cartoon criticizes democratic movements or populist politics of the era as unstable or unreliable ("faithless"). The scattered sheep in the background represent the electorate or constituency being abandoned by their leader. The smaller animals and pastoral setting emphasize the shepherd metaphor—a leader who should protect his flock but instead rides away on an uncontrollable beast. The satire critiques political leadership during America's turbulent 1890s, likely referencing contemporary Democratic Party shifts or populist movements gaining influence.