The Wasp — 1879 — page 479: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a hanging figure labeled as commentary on San Francisco politics. The accompanying text describes a "Purim" celebration (referencing Jewish festival traditions of satirical reversal) and concerns a figure named Hanan—described as a "braggart, scalawag, a liar and a wretch." The satire targets Hanan's execution of seven sons and his general malfeasance as a city official. The text indicates this cartoon mocks a prominent but corrupt San Francisco citizen who refused to comply with civic demands, instead demanding the right to build gallows for executing his political enemies. The Wasp uses the historical Purim story framework to satirize contemporary municipal corruption and abuse of power, presenting the hanging as justified consequence for civic malfeasance.