The Wasp — 1891 — page 242: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This 1891 satirical illustration celebrates California's Native Sons organization through an elaborate allegorical monument. The central pedestal displays "1891" and features a portrait medallion (labeled "WINN," likely referring to a prominent Native Son) crowned with laurel leaves at top right. The monument's ornate design—with scrollwork and decorative ribbons—frames a large circular vision showing California's giant redwoods with the poetic inscription about "redwood shadows" and "golden sunshine." The left side shows detailed California imagery including flags, ships, and indigenous/pioneer scenes, representing the state's heritage and progress. The overall satire appears to celebrate—or possibly mock—the Native Sons' self-aggrandizing commemoration of California's development and prominent citizens.