The Wasp — 1879 — page 427: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This six-panel satirical comic depicts a noisy neighbor conflict escalating into chaos. The story follows two artists living adjacent to each other: one hears "a dreadful sound" from next door, which grows "nearer, clearer, deadlier." The disturbance causes both men and a dog to panic and hide under the bed. Panel 5 shows one neighbor attempting to "cool his neighbor's enthusiasm" for whatever is creating the noise. The final panel reveals the source: "Great Guns! What has broke loose"—apparently a musical instrument or loud artistic tool. The satire mocks bohemian artist communities, suggesting that creative types are inconsiderate neighbors whose pursuits create unbearable disturbances. The joke plays on stereotypes of eccentric, self-absorbed artists indifferent to those around them.