Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1786, Band I, T. 15 1786

This fashion plate was created by Friedrich Justin Bertuch in 1786 as part of his Journal des Luxus und der Moden, a periodical dedicated to luxury and fashion. Bertuch used etching and engraving techniques to create an image that, though printed, aimed to capture the textures and details of high-end garments and accessories. Consider the materials depicted: fine fabrics, feathers, and elaborate trimmings, all indicative of the aristocratic lifestyle. The labor involved in producing these items – the weaving, sewing, and embellishment – is considerable, yet largely invisible. These images served not only to showcase the latest styles but also to fuel the burgeoning fashion industry. The Journal itself was a commodity, part of a growing culture of consumption. By focusing on the details of fashion, Bertuch's work invites us to think about the social and economic systems that enabled such displays of luxury and, more broadly, challenges the traditional hierarchy between art, craft, and commerce.