The Wasp — July 3, 1880 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This appears to be a satirical engraving showing a well-dressed man in striped trousers bowing obsequiously before a crowned woman seated on an ornate chair. The scene is filled with flowers and decorative elements, suggesting royalty or high society. Based on the visual composition, this likely depicts a political or social commentary about deference to authority—possibly mocking excessive flattery toward a powerful female figure or institution. The man's exaggerated bow and the woman's regal bearing suggest ridicule of hierarchical social relationships. However, without visible text identifying the specific figures or clearer context about *The Wasp's* publication date, I cannot definitively identify who these characters represent or what particular political event or scandal this references. The satire appears directed at power dynamics and social pretension, but the specific target remains unclear from the image alone.