Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1788, Band III, T.29 1788

This fashion plate from Friedrich Justin Bertuch's Journal des Luxus und der Moden in 1788 captures the extravagant headwear of the late 18th century. Dominating the composition are the elaborate hats, adorned with ribbons and feathers, symbols of wealth and status in a society obsessed with outward appearance. Consider the ribbons, transformed from simple utilitarian ties into elaborate decorative knots; their presence is a potent symbol of transformation. The symbolic use of tying and knotting dates back to ancient times, from the Gordian Knot of Greek mythology to the intricate knots of Celtic art, each bearing meanings of fate, connection, and mystery. The feather, a symbol of flight, freedom, and aspiration, has adorned heads since antiquity. In ancient Egyptian culture, the feather was associated with Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice. In this image, it mirrors aspirations of the court, but also the subconscious desire for freedom, resonating with collective cultural memories of aspiration and transformation. These symbols, rooted in ancient beliefs and adapted through centuries, serve as poignant markers of a society on the brink of profound change, subtly reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and human desire.