The Wasp — 1879 — page 716: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical illustration titled "Out of His Depth—Shirking Sharks." The cartoon depicts a bearded man swimming among sharks, appearing panicked or distressed in the water. A sailing ship is visible in the background. The satirical meaning likely refers to someone being "out of his depth"—a figurative expression meaning overwhelmed or inadequate for a situation. The sharks appear to represent threats or enemies. Without additional context about San Francisco politics in June 1880, the specific identity of the figure and the particular political situation being mocked remains unclear, though the metaphor suggests criticism of someone facing dangerous circumstances they cannot handle, possibly a political or business figure failing in their role.