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The Dinner Party

Judy Chicago

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

On View: Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor
MEDIUM Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table
  • Place Made: United States
  • DATES 1974–1979
    DIMENSIONS 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm) each side: 48 ft. (1463.4 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10
    CREDIT LINE Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Work consists of 39 dinner place settings of porcelain flatware (fork, knife and spoon), porcelain chalice, and decorated porcelain plate. Each setting is laid out on a separate embroidered textile runner. Thirteen place settings are on each side (48 feet long) of a triangular table draped with a white felt cloth, with a triangular millennium runner at each of three corners. Each of the settings represents one of thirty-nine historically significant women. The table sits on a floor of 2304 porcelain triangular tiles (in 129 units) inscribed with the names of 999 significant women. The work is introduced by 6 hanging banners woven in the traditional French Aubusson tapestry technique. These banners and the work itself "express the belief and hope that once reverence for the feminine is reestablished on Earth, a balance will be restored to human existence and 'Everywhere will be Eden once again'." Adjacent to the work in the Brooklyn Museum installation hang 7 photographic reproductions of the original Heritage Panels. The accompanying 3 Acknowledgement Panels are reproduced on the Museum's website. All the elements necessary for the installation of the floor and table including 36 ceramic table leg sleeves were designed and fabricated for the work. The lighting and guard rail that came with the work are in the domain of the Design Department and have been replaced for reinstallation in a permanent space.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor
    CAPTION Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Photo by Donald Woodman, 2002.10_DWoodman_2018_DSC01916.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 2002.10_DWoodman_2018_DSC01916.jpg. Photo by Donald Woodman, 2018
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT © Judy Chicago
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