The Wasp — October 11, 1879 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon critiques the hypocrisy of San Francisco's Sunday religious observance. The central skull represents "Death in the Air"—likely referencing a specific contemporary disaster or public health crisis. Surrounding vignettes show various violations of the Christian Sabbath: people cycling, boating, drinking at bars, gambling, and engaging in street activities. The cartoon's point appears to be that despite San Francisco's professed Christian values and Sunday observance laws, citizens openly violate these religious principles through leisure, commerce, and vice. The skull looming over these scenes suggests this hypocrisy carries serious moral or social consequences. The satire targets the gap between public piety and actual behavior in the city.