Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.29 1790

This fashion plate was printed in 1790, as part of the Journal des Luxus und der Moden, published by Friedrich Justin Bertuch. Look closely, and you can see how the image has been built up through layers of line and color. The costumes were engraved onto the plate with a burin or similar tool, with the lines then filled in with ink. But what is truly striking is the materiality of the garments themselves. The top figure is festooned with frills, bows, and feathers that must have taken hours to assemble, and certainly signified great wealth. The lower figure's hat is equally ornate, with detailed fabric and floral elements. These are not mere images of clothing; they are a testament to the artistry of dressmaking and the culture of luxury it supported. The prints played a crucial role in circulating and shaping the tastes of the late 18th century. By appreciating the details of both the printmaking and the dressmaking, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic context of this era.