The Wasp — 1879 — page 161: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical illustration depicts the **Rush Street Theatre** in what appears to be Chicago. The title references a proverb about misbehavior occurring in the absence of authority or supervision. The cartoon shows well-dressed patrons and performers engaged in theatrical activity. The upper windows display what seem to be performers or actors, while below, fashionably-dressed audience members (the "mice") gather in the street outside the theatre, suggesting they're taking advantage of some opportunity—likely related to entertainment, revelry, or social behavior that would be discouraged under stricter oversight. The satire likely critiques urban theater culture, morality concerns about theatrical entertainment, or specific happenings at this Chicago venue. Without additional context about the specific date or theater scandal, the precise target remains unclear.