The Wasp — 1880 — page 237: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page reproduces an engraving titled "Mother's Love," credited as "After the painting of Paul Martin." It depicts a woman holding and tenderly touching the face of a young child, rendered in classical artistic style against a dark background. This appears to be a straightforward reproductive artwork rather than political satire. *The Wasp* frequently featured such fine-art reproductions alongside its satirical content. The image exemplifies sentimental Victorian idealization of motherhood and domesticity. Without additional context from surrounding pages, the specific reason *The Wasp* chose to publish this particular work—whether as genuine art appreciation, nostalgic commentary, or ironic contrast to the magazine's typically biting social criticism—remains unclear.