The Wasp — 1878 — page 107: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts classical Roman/Greek deities reimagined as figures in a "Modern Statuary" display. The labeled figures are: - **Venus** (top left): a sensual female figure - **Apollo** (top center): playing a drum - **Diana** (top right): holding a basket - **Mercury** (bottom left): a merchant or trickster figure - **Three Graces** (center): three figures around a cauldron - **Mars** (bottom right): a warrior figure The satire appears to mock Victorian-era American society by presenting classical ideals through contemporary characters—suggesting that modern Americans embody the same vices, vanities, and follies as their mythological counterparts. The "statuary" framing implies these are permanent fixtures of society. The specific social critiques remain unclear without additional context about *The Wasp's* publication date and concerns.