The Wasp — 1881 — page 465: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon depicts a Jewish figure wandering through a narrow alleyway, carrying a staff and wearing period clothing with a hat. The title references the legend of the "Wandering Jew"—a figure condemned to eternal wandering as punishment. The image appears to be antisemitic propaganda, using this mythological motif to reinforce stereotypes about Jewish people as perpetual outsiders or wanderers. The ragged appearance and isolated setting emphasize marginalization. *The Wasp* was a 19th-century American satirical magazine. Without additional context about publication date or specific historical events referenced, the exact targeted message remains unclear, though the stereotype invoked was common in period antisemitic discourse. The cartoon reflects prejudicial attitudes prevalent in its era.