The Wasp — July 31, 1880 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "American Scribes Temp: 1860" This satirical cartoon depicts a well-dressed bearded man standing dignified while small demonic or imp-like figures swarm around his legs, wielding pens and appearing to write or mark upon him. The caption "American Scribes Temp: 1860" suggests this comments on journalists or writers ("scribes") of that election year. The central figure likely represents a political candidate or public figure being attacked by hostile press. The diminutive, grotesque attackers symbolize malicious newspaper editors or critics swarming around him with their pens as weapons. This depicts the caustic nature of 1860s political journalism, where personal attacks and sensationalism were common tactics during the contentious presidential campaign year.