Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.19 1790

Friedrich Justin Bertuch created this print for the Journal des Luxus und der Moden in 1790, a time when fashion was a powerful statement of social identity. Published in Germany, the Journal catered to an aristocratic and upper-middle-class audience eager to follow the latest trends. This image depicts two women, their elaborate dresses and towering hats signaling wealth and status. These details weren't merely about aesthetics; they spoke volumes about one's position in a rigid social hierarchy. Consider the limited roles women held at this time. Fashion became a means of self-expression, a way to exert influence within the confines of societal expectations. Yet, this pursuit of luxury also highlights the economic disparities of the era, the opulence enjoyed by a few built upon the labor of many. Bertuch’s print invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between fashion, identity, and power. It's a reminder that even seemingly frivolous details can reveal deeper truths about the society from which they emerge.