The Wasp — 1881 — page 218: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon from *The Wasp* depicts "The Religious Warriors' Triumphant - Satan's Defeat - Saw Franciscio" (text visible on right margin). The image shows demonic or devilish figures being vanquished by religious forces. Labels visible include "Saved Souls," "Converts," "Rock of Ages," and what appears to be "Pagan" references. The cartoon uses exaggerated caricatures typical of 19th-century satirical illustration to mock religious conversion campaigns and evangelical movements. The satire appears to critique aggressive religious proselytizing in San Francisco, portraying it as a triumphalist battle against perceived "evil" or "paganism." The grotesque depictions suggest the cartoonist viewed such religious campaigns with skepticism or derision, possibly critiquing the methods or motivations of conversion-focused religious organizations of the era.