The Wasp — November 29, 1879 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This political cartoon depicts two figures—a woman (representing America or Liberty, based on her classical dress and crown) and a caricatured man in striped pants (appearing to represent a foreign trader or merchant)—surrounded by goods, animals, and industrial imagery. The banner reads: "THE WORLD DEPENDANT ON THEY SUPPLICATE AND—" (text appears cut off). The satire critiques America's economic dependence on foreign trade and supplies. The surrounding imagery—ships, factories, agricultural products (corn, grapes), and manufactured goods—suggests the cartoon argues that other nations rely on American commerce while America must "supplicate" (beg) for their favor. The caricatured merchant's exaggerated features may reference ethnic or national stereotypes common to 1800s satirical press. The cartoon's precise date and specific political context remain unclear without additional source information.