The Wasp — August 9, 1879 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts an elderly bearded man (styled as a stern authority figure or "judge") performing what appears to be a medical or pseudo-scientific procedure on a younger man seated before him. A bowl sits on a table nearby. The inset illustration shows two figures examining or discussing the procedure, suggesting public debate or scrutiny. The caption "Judge Righteous Judgment" indicates satirical commentary on someone claiming moral or judicial authority while performing questionable acts. The caricatures—particularly the exaggerated features of the seated figure—suggest this targets prejudicial treatment or fraudulent "judgment" masquerading as legitimate authority. Without clearer historical context or bylines, the specific figures and incident referenced remain unclear, though the cartoon critiques abuse of power or authority under false pretenses.