The Wasp — 1893 — page 22: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a well-dressed man in formal attire displaying what appears to be artwork or religious imagery to figures on the right. The title "A Modern Mission" suggests commentary on contemporary evangelism or cultural promotion. The man's posture and presentation suggest he's promoting or "selling" something—possibly religious doctrine, art, or ideology—to an audience. The stark, vertical striping in the background and the somewhat crude or distorted figures being addressed suggest the targets of this mission are being portrayed negatively or simplistically. Without additional context from *The Wasp* publication date, the specific identity of the promoter remains unclear, though the cartoon appears to satirize overzealous modern missionary work, cultural imperialism, or the promotion of elite values to working-class or marginalized audiences. The tone is decidedly critical of the "mission."