The Wasp — 1881 — page 257: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes Russian imperial authority and aristocratic excess, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The image depicts a crowned figure (appearing to represent Russian royalty or nobility) engaged in a decadent scene with skeletal Death personified on the right, while a hunched, impoverished figure crouches on the left—suggesting extreme wealth inequality and moral corruption at the top of Russian society. The shadow-play silhouettes in the background (upper left) may reference political violence or unrest. The juxtaposition mocks Russian rulers for indulging in luxury and consorting with death/decay while common people suffer in poverty. The title "A Royal Russian" emphasizes the critique as specifically targeting Russian imperial practices and values.