The Wasp — 1881 — page 145: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon parodies the nursery rhyme to satirize government emptiness or failure to provide. A bearded man in elaborate dress (appearing to represent a political or governmental figure) stands before an open, bare cupboard labeled with government departments. Several dogs wearing collars labeled with names (appearing to reference specific political figures or constituencies) look up expectantly, suggesting they're waiting for promised benefits or resources that aren't forthcoming. The Capitol building visible through the window indicates this concerns U.S. federal government. The satire suggests that despite rhetoric and promises, government cupboards—its actual resources or commitments—are empty, leaving dependent parties (the dogs) disappointed and unfed.