The Wasp — 1880 — page 287: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This engraving depicts **Columbus's arrival** in the Americas, showing his ship "La Columbini" (visible on the hull) with sailors disembarking while crowds gather on shore. The numbered hot air balloons in the background appear anachronistic—deliberately so, as satire. The caption "AND STILL" (incomplete on this page) suggests ongoing commentary about Columbus or American expansion. The juxtaposition of 15th-century exploration imagery with 19th-century hot air balloons likely satirizes either technological progress, American imperialism, or westward expansion as a continuation of Columbus's colonial enterprise. Without the complete caption and surrounding context from *The Wasp*, the specific target of ridicule remains unclear, though the anachronism signals social or political criticism.