The Wasp — 1893 — page 369: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical story mocks **Monsieur Newriche** (literally "newly rich"), a nouveau riche Parisian businessman who becomes infatuated with a chambermaid actress named Violette. The humor targets class pretension: despite his wealth from mining and banking, Newriche lacks the refinement of established aristocracy. The illustrations show his clumsy romantic pursuit—tickling the chambermaid under the chin—depicting him as ridiculous and desperate. The satire criticizes how newly wealthy industrialists attempted to gain social status through the arts and romantic conquests, while remaining fundamentally uncultured. Violette manipulates him for theater opportunities, exploiting his social climbing aspirations.