The Wasp — 1878 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "The Illustrated Wasp" Page 4 This page contains two satirical scenes related to a solar eclipse on July 29th (year unclear from visible text). **Top panel**: Two grotesque moon faces appear in clouds, with handwritten text describing eclipses in mythological terms—referencing classical interpretations of celestial events as omens. **Bottom panels**: The upper group shows people of various ages gazing skyward during the eclipse. The lower scene depicts adults (appearing to be a family or social group) discussing or reacting to the eclipse event. The satire likely mocks contemporary public excitement and superstitious interpretations surrounding the eclipse, or perhaps criticizes sensationalized media coverage. The grotesque moon faces suggest mockery of eclipse-related fears or irrational beliefs common in the period. The specific political or social targets remain unclear without additional historical context about this particular eclipse date.