Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.20 1790

Friedrich Justin Bertuch produced this print, titled "Journal des Luxus und der Moden," in 1790. It comes from a journal that translates to "Journal of Luxury and Fashion," a publication indicative of its time and place, Germany during the late 18th century. The image presents architectural plans, possibly for a bathhouse or a small villa. The emphasis is on the layout and design, revealing a society increasingly concerned with privacy and leisure. This burgeoning interest in luxury and fashion reflects the rise of a middle class with disposable income, eager to emulate the lifestyle of the aristocracy. Bertuch’s journal, aimed at this emerging demographic, played a crucial role in shaping consumer tastes and disseminating new ideas about domestic space. By studying publications like this, alongside architectural treatises and social commentaries, we can better understand the cultural values and aspirations of late 18th-century German society. These sources help us appreciate how art and design were intertwined with broader social and economic shifts.