Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1788, Band III, T.2 1788

This is an engraving from the Journal des Luxus und der Moden, made by Friedrich Justin Bertuch in 1788. It’s ink on paper, a relatively inexpensive combination of materials, but the image depicts the height of luxury. Consider the labor involved in creating the clothing shown here. From growing and processing flax for the lace trim to weaving silk for the gown, each step required specialized skill and intensive handwork. The plumed hat, the ruched handbag – these details speak to a culture obsessed with fashionable display. Bertuch’s journal was one of the first to capitalize on this obsession, helping to create a market for luxury goods and fueling the fashion industry. This print gives us a glimpse into the economics of taste, revealing how objects of desire are produced, circulated, and consumed. By looking closely at the image, we can understand the relationship between fashion, labor, and social status in the late 18th century.