The Wasp — 1893 — page 197: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a courtship scene. A tall, thin gentleman in formal attire stands at right, playing a flute or pipes toward a woman perched on a brick wall at left. She wears a large hat and sits beside a cat. The title "A Test of Love" suggests the gentleman is literally "charming" his romantic interest through music—a reference to the old phrase about charming snakes or winning affection through appealing sounds. The humor likely relies on the woman's rather plain appearance and awkward perch, making the elaborate musical "seduction" absurd or desperate. The cat's presence adds domestic comedy. The page also contains period advertisements for bicycles, tailoring services, and cigars.