Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.32 1790

This etching was produced by Friedrich Justin Bertuch as part of his Journal des Luxus und der Moden in 1790, a magazine that captured the shifting tastes of the late 18th century. Printed using etching techniques, it captures the object's form and texture through a network of fine lines. This method, rooted in skilled craftsmanship, allowed for detailed reproduction and dissemination of designs to a broad audience. While appearing simple, the production of the original object would involve the skilled labor of potters, metalworkers, and carpenters. The ceramic vessels, potentially earthenware or stoneware, would be shaped and fired by a pottery workshop before being assembled into the full piece. The stand appears to be made of wood, a relatively accessible material, though still requiring skilled handiwork to be cut and shaped to size. In its original context, the design wasn't merely decorative, but part of a larger system of commercial exchange. Journals such as this one offered designs and ideas for consumers to emulate and purchase, fueling demand and supporting various artisanal trades. Paying attention to such images gives us insight into the economic and social life of the 1700s, blurring the lines between art, craft, and commerce.