Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.16 1790

Friedrich Justin Bertuch created this print, titled Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.16, in 1790. It provides a window into the sartorial obsessions of the late 18th century. Fashion in this period wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was a potent signifier of social standing. The elite used elaborate styles to visually distinguish themselves, setting them apart from the laboring classes. This artwork shows the height of excess in women's fashion, with towering wigs and extravagant ornamentation. Yet, the French Revolution was in full swing, critiquing such overt displays of wealth, with revolutionary fervor challenging the aristocracy’s right to luxury. Consider the emotional weight these images carried. For some, these fashions represented aspiration, a desire to climb the social ladder. For others, they evoked resentment and anger toward the privileged. Bertuch’s print doesn’t take a clear stance, but by documenting these styles, it captures a society on the cusp of dramatic change. It invites us to consider how fashion can both reflect and shape our world.