Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1786, Band I, T. 18 1786

This is plate 18 from Volume I of Friedrich Justin Bertuch's 'Journal des Luxus und der Moden,' published in 1786. The print presents a full-length fashion plate of a woman, defined by delicate lines and soft, muted colors. The composition is dominated by the woman’s extravagant attire. The artist’s rendering emphasizes the elaborate structure of the dress and its accessories. Her towering hairstyle, adorned with foliage, contrasts with the simple green parasol she holds, creating a study in contrasts. The dress’s billowing form and the stiff ruffles around her neck demonstrate texture and volume. Bertuch's strategic use of line and color serves to highlight the artificiality of high fashion. The print underscores an era that valued spectacle, but also suggests a critical awareness of the structures underlying such displays. This artwork captures a moment of cultural self-reflection, inviting continuous readings.