The Wasp — 1881 — page 233: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page features the "Prattle" column—a satirical commentary section rather than a political cartoon. The main illustration shows a figure labeled as a "sign-painter of Manchester, England" who was sentenced to four months in a House of Correction for painting blasphemous words ("Presented by the Devil") on a chapel's stained-glass window. The column mocks the outrage this caused, arguing that the artist merely explored human anatomy and artistic expression—not genuinely blasphemous intent. The satire defends artistic freedom and ridicules religious censorship. It also criticizes contemporary theater actresses for being overly cautious about offending audiences, arguing they should embrace artistic integrity over safe, crowd-pleasing performances. The piece advocates for bolder artistic expression generally.