The Wasp — 1881 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a military review where exaggerated caricatured military officers—some appearing grotesque or monstrous—inspect troops from behind. The soldiers shown are rendered as large, bulbous figures bent over in submission or deference. The title references the "Grand Army," likely the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a powerful veterans' organization of Civil War soldiers that wielded significant political influence in late 19th-century America. The caption "Our Soldier to Ever" appears at bottom right. The satire likely mocks either the GAR's political influence, military pomposity, or the relationship between officers and enlisted men. The grotesque officer caricatures suggest criticism of military leadership or specific political figures, though without additional context, identifying specific individuals remains unclear.