The Wasp — 1879 — page 89: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features a portrait of **R.B. Woodward**, identified by the banner at the top. The engraving shows a bearded man in formal 19th-century dress, surrounded by an elaborate decorative border filled with animals—deer, monkeys, birds, fish, and various wildlife. The ornate animal border likely references **Woodward's role or business interests**, though the specific context requires additional information. The satire may mock pretension, wealth, or a particular public figure's association with nature, collecting, or natural history. The formal portrait style contrasts with the chaotic, almost menagerie-like border, suggesting ironic commentary. Without additional context about Woodward's identity or contemporary relevance, the precise satirical target remains unclear.