The Wasp — April 17, 1880 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of Page 613 from The Wasp This page features an engraved illustration titled "The Illustrated Wasp" (credited to C. Dietrich, with photolithography by Wasp Pub. Co.). The image depicts a classical allegorical scene: a draped female figure with a male cherub or putto, alongside a kneeling male figure. The accompanying text discusses an earthquake experience aboard the H.M.S. *Heracles*, describing the author's voyage from Malta to Rhodes. The narrator describes an "earthquake sir, and no damage done," recounting conversations with an Admiral about the ship's susceptibility to earthquakes and the crew's reactions. Without additional historical context about The Wasp's publication date or specific satirical targets, the exact political commentary remains unclear, though the classical imagery and narrative appear to comment on naval experiences or colonial maritime affairs.