The Wasp — May 8, 1880 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "1879-80 Bare Bears and Bulls" This financial satire depicts the stock market turmoil of 1879-80. The figures are anthropomorphized as animals engaged in financial speculation: - "Bears" (those betting on price declines) and "Bulls" (those betting on rises) were common Wall Street terminology - The central figure on crutches appears injured or weakened, suggesting financial losses - The cityscape background (likely San Francisco, given *The Wasp* magazine's origin) grounds this in local markets - The handwritten note "No Money Loaned on Stocks" references credit restrictions during market volatility - The spheres in the upper right may represent market bubbles or speculative assets The cartoon mocks investors hobbled by market downturns and the precarious nature of speculation during this economically unstable period.