Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1786, Band I, T. 17 1786

Friedrich Justin Bertuch created this print in 1786 for the Journal des Luxus und der Moden, a German periodical showcasing the latest trends. More than just pretty pictures, this journal offers a fascinating glimpse into the consumer culture of the late 18th century. This image creates meaning through its depiction of elaborate hairstyles and hats. It presents a world of luxury accessible only to a select few. Produced in Germany during a time of social and political change, journals like these played a crucial role in shaping aristocratic identity and solidifying class divisions. By meticulously documenting the latest fashions, they reinforced existing social hierarchies and offered a glimpse into the lives of the elite. To fully understand such images, historians delve into period sources like etiquette manuals, literature, and economic records. This reveals the complex relationship between art, commerce, and social status. Art never exists in a vacuum; its meaning is always shaped by the social and institutional context in which it is created and consumed.