Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1788, Band III, T.23 1788

Curator: This engraving, dating from 1788, is entitled "Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1788, Band III, T.23." It comes to us from Friedrich Justin Bertuch, and gives insight into late 18th century fashion. Editor: My first impression? Exaggerated! Everything from the wig to the frills seems designed to broadcast status. It’s almost comical in its meticulous detail. Curator: Absolutely. What’s fascinating to me is how this print, intended for a journal about luxury, acts as both a fashion plate and a form of social commentary. The meticulous lines of the engraving, the very act of circulating it in print form—it all speaks to the growing consumer culture of the time. We’re seeing the democratization of fashion, albeit among the wealthy. Editor: The labor involved must have been extensive. To meticulously recreate these details—the stripes in the coat, the lace at the cuffs—demonstrates a real investment, both in the artistic production and, indeed, in the presentation of oneself. Where would someone typically encounter these prints? Curator: Journals such as these were circulating throughout Europe, particularly in elite circles, serving as a kind of proto-fashion blog! They acted as tools for social navigation, offering templates for those aspiring to maintain a certain social standing. We need to think about the economic system sustaining that type of publishing. Editor: And consider the figure himself—he seems almost performative, doesn’t he? Clutching his hat, seemingly mid-gesture. It suggests that fashion wasn’t simply about attire, but about enacting a particular role. It becomes part of a bigger conversation. Curator: Precisely! It raises critical questions about how the media presented idealized versions of how an elite person might present in daily life. Was it prescriptive or descriptive? Editor: These sorts of sources help to bridge gaps across history, connecting the artistry behind its production to our cultural habits today. The more you reflect on these images the more they offer! Curator: I agree!