The Wasp — 1879 — page 563: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon satirizes construction of a tall building, comparing it to the Biblical Tower of Babel—a structure built in pride that God destroyed by confusing its builders' languages. The cartoon depicts multiple figures actively constructing or involved with a tall tower structure. The title's reference to "coronement to follow" suggests anticipation of completing this ambitious project. The satire likely critiques either: - A specific major construction project of the era (possibly a prominent San Francisco building, given *The Wasp* was a San Francisco publication) - The hubris of wealthy builders or developers - Political corruption or mismanagement in urban development Without knowing the specific historical moment, the exact figures and their identities remain unclear, though the cartoon clearly mocks those driving this construction as dangerously overambitious.