The Wasp — 1879 — page 368: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This engraving depicts a chaotic scene labeled "Happy Family" at the bottom, satirizing political figures as animals and caricatured humans. The composition shows various creatures—including an elephant, pelican, monkeys, and dogs—alongside human heads and busts, all mingling in disorder. The satire appears to mock a political party or faction as a dysfunctional "family" of incompatible members. The animals likely represent specific political figures or ethnic stereotypes common to 19th-century American political cartoons. The bottle labeled "MURPHY" visible in the composition suggests a reference to a particular politician or scandal. Without additional context about The Wasp's publication date, identifying specific figures remains uncertain, though the "family" metaphor clearly criticizes the coherence and respectability of the depicted group.