Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1786, Band I, T. 10 1786

In 1786, Friedrich Justin Bertuch created this print for his *Journal des Luxus und der Moden*, a periodical that documented fashionable trends. More than just a record, the *Journal* played a vital role in shaping consumer desires and dictating taste within the late 18th century German-speaking world. Here we see the influence of French style on German taste. The print depicts a dressing table, its elegant neoclassical design reflecting the prevailing aesthetic preferences of the European elite. The *Journal* not only disseminated information about luxury goods but also served as a platform for manufacturers and retailers to promote their wares, subtly influencing the aspirations of its readers. To truly understand the cultural significance of this print, historians might consult trade records, personal correspondence, and other periodicals of the era. In this way we come to see it as an important source for understanding the intersection of art, commerce, and social identity in the late 18th century.