Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1788, Band III, T.8 1788

This is a hand-colored engraving by Friedrich Justin Bertuch, made in Germany in 1788, part of his "Journal des Luxus und der Moden." Engravings like this were crucial to the fashion industry of the time. The lines were etched into a metal plate, then printed and carefully hand-colored, a labor-intensive process. The resulting image shows in fine detail the cut, construction, and embellishment of garments, offering a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy. This wasn't just art for art's sake; it was a tool for promoting a culture of consumption. The image speaks volumes about the labor involved in producing luxury goods, from textile workers to dressmakers. The very existence of this journal highlights the growing importance of fashion as a commodity, and the social stratification that came with it. This engraving reminds us that art, craft, and commerce have always been intertwined, blurring the lines between aesthetics and economics.