Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.25 1790

This fashion plate is by Friedrich Justin Bertuch for the Journal des Luxus und der Moden in 1790. Immediately, the elaborate hairstyles and the attention to detail catch the eye, defining the aesthetic of the time. Consider the structure of each design. The top figure showcases a large, soft hat adorned with feathers and ribbons, contrasting with the tight curls framing the face. Below, a smaller, more structured hat sits atop a similar hairstyle, creating a different silhouette. Bertuch uses line and form to convey status, exploring identity through fashion. The restrained color palette focuses on form and texture. The drawings were intended to convey messages about social identity, reflecting the period's obsession with appearance as a form of cultural expression. These fashion plates serve as a fascinating look at how clothing functions as a signifier, reflecting broader cultural and philosophical ideas about the self and society.