Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.4 1790

This is an engraving from Friedrich Justin Bertuch's Journal des Luxus und der Moden, dating to around 1790. It depicts a woman, fashionable for her time, complete with a large feathered hat, shawl, and ribboned dress. Published in Weimar, Germany, Bertuch’s Journal served as a key source of information about fashion and culture for the German upper classes. But it wasn't simply about the latest trends. The Journal also sought to cultivate a sense of national identity through its focus on German art, literature, and industry. It encouraged readers to embrace both luxury and civic responsibility. Bertuch's journal provides insight into the complex social and cultural landscape of late 18th-century Germany. We see the influence of French fashion alongside a growing desire for German cultural expression. By studying sources like these, historians can better understand the intricate relationship between art, culture, and national identity in a rapidly changing world.