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The Brooklyn Museum

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art
The Dinner Party: Heritage Floor: Ninon de L'Enclos




signature image

Judy Chicago (American, b. 1939). The Dinner Party (Heritage Floor; detail), 1974–79. Porcelain with rainbow and gold luster, 48 x 48 x 48 ft. (14.6 x 14.6 x 14.6 m). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © Judy Chicago. Photograph by Jook Leung Photography

Ninon de L'Enclos
b. 1620, Paris; d. 1705, Paris

Ninon de Lenclos was a courtesan and intellectual who was well versed in Epicurean philosophy. Her salon included significant thinkers in literary and political circles. In 1656, her lack of religious faith prompted Anne of Austria (mother of King Louis XIV) to send her to a convent, but she was allowed to return to Paris after a short period. She wrote the book La coquette vengée (The Coquette Avenged, 1659) as a response to this attack on her behavior and philosophical beliefs.

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Last updated March 21, 2007.
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