The Wasp — 1879 — page 456: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon from *The San Francisco Illustrated Wasp* (July 19, 1879) satirizes someone identified as "Gorham Pick" through an exaggerated caricature. The large figure on the right—depicted with an enormous beard, wild hair, and grotesque features—appears to be spewing or exploding with dark matter, suggesting lies or false speech literally pouring from his mouth. A smaller, more realistically-drawn man on the left observes this display with apparent shock or dismay. The caption's wordplay on "Pick(x)" (possibly "picks" or suggesting multiplication of lies) emphasizes the target's propensity for deception. Without additional context about San Francisco politics or personalities of 1879, the specific identity and grievance remain unclear, though this appears to be directed political mockery of a local figure.