The Wasp — 1877 — page 171: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical comic sequence depicting the various indignities and hardships inflicted on an infant by well-meaning but incompetent adults. Each panel shows a different scenario: the baby being dressed, bathed, examined, shown his reflection, subjected to physical handling, and ultimately finding peace only in sleep. The satire targets Victorian parenting practices and social attitudes toward children. References include Solomon's wisdom ("A wise child"), the father showing sights, and a mother-in-law's interference—typical family dynamics of the era. The humor stems from presenting caregiving as torment: the baby is poked, prodded, tossed about, and generally treated as an object to be managed rather than a person with feelings. The final panel's caption—"A bully little boy"—suggests only unconsciousness brings relief.