The Wasp — 1880 — page 157: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This engraving presents a portrait of a woman in classical style, credited to artist Frank Dicksee. The image shows a figure in Renaissance-inspired dress with elaborate period costume—draped fabric, decorative collar, and pearl necklace—positioned against foliage. The caption "A Type of Beauty" suggests this represents an idealized aesthetic standard. Given *The Wasp*'s satirical nature, the piece likely comments on contemporary beauty standards or artistic representations of femininity. However, without additional context or identifying captions in the visible text, the specific subject and satirical target remain unclear. The engraving's formal, high-art presentation contrasts with *The Wasp*'s typical irreverent tone, which may itself be the point of satire—possibly mocking pretentious artistic conventions or beauty ideals of the era.