The Wasp — 1879 — page 356: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a religious illustration rather than political satire. The page depicts the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, framed by ornate decorative borders featuring angels and biblical figures. The text quotes Christ's final words ("Eli, eli, lama sabachthani?"—"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?") and describes the Passion narrative: the bitter cup of suffering, the earthquake, and the temple veil tearing. **Important context**: *The Wasp* was primarily a satirical political magazine, so this appears to be an exceptional religious/devotional piece within that publication—possibly commemorating Easter or a special religious issue. The elaborate Victorian-style ornamentation and reverent tone are atypical for a satirical periodical, suggesting this content served a different editorial purpose than the magazine's usual satirical cartoons.