Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.13 1790

Editor: Here we have "Journal des Luxus und der Moden 1790, Band V, T.13", a drawing in ink from Friedrich Justin Bertuch, created in 1790. The sketches showcase different fashionable hats, but there is a sense of detachment. What underlying messages or cultural values are conveyed through these images? Curator: These fashion plates are so interesting when you look at them as more than mere illustrations of style. Think about the era. What symbols can we identify within these depictions of headwear that reflect late 18th-century society? Editor: Well, the hats themselves seem incredibly elaborate, even excessive, suggesting wealth and status, but there’s also a rigidity in the drawing style. Does this represent something beyond just fashion? Curator: Precisely! The height of the hairstyles and hats, the use of feathers and ribbons – these elements symbolized not only wealth, as you pointed out, but also a performance of social identity. They signify a desire to elevate oneself, quite literally, in the social hierarchy. Consider also the neoclassical style that was prevalent – how do you think it’s influencing the imagery in this piece? Editor: I see how the symmetry and the somewhat idealized portrayal connect to neoclassicism. Perhaps there is an intent to bring order or an attempt at timelessness to something as ephemeral as fashion. Curator: Good observation! It's fascinating how cultural memory is encoded, not just in grand historical paintings, but also in something as seemingly trivial as a fashion plate. It reflects a yearning for order and beauty in a rapidly changing world. Don’t you find that striking? Editor: It is striking. Seeing the hats as symbolic artifacts helps contextualize not just the fashion, but also the societal mindset of the time. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. And in decoding the symbolism, we glimpse the values and aspirations of an era.