Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1788, Band III, T.17 1788

Friedrich Justin Bertuch made this print in 1788 for the Journal des Luxus und der Moden, a German fashion magazine. The printmaking process would have involved the skilled labor of engraving the design onto a plate, inking it, and then transferring it to paper – a meticulous task demanding both precision and artistry. Look at how the engraver's lines define the textures and forms of the clothing. The ruffles, feathers, and folds of fabric come to life through the varying densities and directions of the marks. The high-end garments were produced by skilled artisans: seamstresses, milliners and tailors. The emphasis on elaborate garments speaks volumes about the social and economic structures of the time, of class. Ultimately, this print connects the world of fashion to a wider sphere of labor, trade, and consumption. It reminds us that even seemingly frivolous items carry deep cultural and social significance. It challenges our assumptions about what constitutes art and craftsmanship.