Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.26 1790

This print was made by Friedrich Justin Bertuch, as part of his Journal des Luxus und der Moden, a periodical published in Germany in 1790. The Journal was a crucial force in shaping European tastes, mediating between the French fashion system and the rest of the continent. At a time when fashion was closely associated with the aristocracy, the Journal played a vital role in democratizing luxury. Through detailed descriptions and illustrations, it made fashionable styles accessible to a wider audience beyond the court. The journal created a sense of participation in a broader cultural conversation, shaping personal identity and social standing through consumer choices. The print provides visual evidence of this cultural exchange. The elegant floral motifs, rendered with meticulous detail, exemplify the aesthetic preferences of the late 18th century. Through careful analysis of such prints, alongside period texts, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, fashion, and society during this transformative era.