The Wasp — February 14, 1880 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Political Seine" This satirical cartoon depicts a bearded fisherman in a boat labeled "BLAKE" pulling in a massive catch from the Seine River (France's famous river). The "catch" consists entirely of fish labeled with what appear to be political figures or entities—visible labels include "TEXAS." The cartoon uses fishing as a metaphor for political maneuvering or opportunism. The fisherman (likely representing a specific politician, possibly Blake) is reaping substantial political benefits or "catches" from turbulent political waters. The abundance of the catch suggests successful political manipulation or exploitation of circumstances. Without clearer date context or additional visible labels, the specific political situation remains somewhat unclear, though the image clearly critiques someone's political opportunism during a period of political controversy or change.