Heritage Panel
1 of 7
The seven Heritage Panels are large-scale hand-colored photo-and-text collages (ranging in size from 57 1/2 x 70 3/4 to 57 1/2 x 107”) that portray the lives of the mythical and historical women whose names are inscribed in the Heritage Floor of The Dinner Party. Judy Chicago, with the help of a team of researchers, selected 999 women from prehistory to the 20th century, whose example impacted women's history and the improvement of women's conditions. Hand-written on porcelain tiles, these names make up the physical and symbolic foundation for The Dinner Party.
Like the Heritage Floor, the names listed on the Heritage Panels are organized beneath their corresponding place setting. The 999 names are accompanied by biographical information, photographs of related art and artifacts, and images of many of the women. To contextualize the importance of their legacies, Chicago also included brief passages describing the circumstances against which women had to struggle for equity throughout history.
Photographic reproductions of the original Heritage Panels are on view in the Biographical Gallery.
Object Label
The Heritage Panels outline the lives of the 999 women who are honored on The Dinner Party’s Heritage Floor, providing brief historical context as well as depictions of some of these women and their achievements. The names are organized beneath their corresponding place settings, unfolding in the pattern of the Heritage Floor and contextualizing a Western history of women’s struggle for equity.
Caption
Judy Chicago American, born 1939. Heritage Panel, 1974–79. Collages with photographs, cut paper, and watercolor, Other (2002.10-D12): 57 1/2 x 70 3/4 in. (146.1 x 179.7 cm) Other (2002.10-D13): 57 1/2 x 70 3/4 in. (146.1 x 179.7 cm) Other (2002.10-D-14): 57 1/2 x 88 1/4 in. (146.1 x 224.2 cm) Other (2002.10-D-15): 57 1/2 x 70 3/4 in. (146.1 x 179.7 cm) Other (2002.10-D-16): 57 1/2 x 107 in. (146.1 x 271.8 cm) Other (2002.10-D-17): 57 1/2 x 94 1/4 in. (14. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-D. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view6_R1004630_7-006.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Artist
Title
Heritage Panel
Date
1974–79
Medium
Collages with photographs, cut paper, and watercolor
Classification
Dimensions
Other (2002.10-D12): 57 1/2 x 70 3/4 in. (146.1 x 179.7 cm) Other (2002.10-D13): 57 1/2 x 70 3/4 in. (146.1 x 179.7 cm) Other (2002.10-D-14): 57 1/2 x 88 1/4 in. (146.1 x 224.2 cm) Other (2002.10-D-15): 57 1/2 x 70 3/4 in. (146.1 x 179.7 cm) Other (2002.10-D-16): 57 1/2 x 107 in. (146.1 x 271.8 cm) Other (2002.10-D-17): 57 1/2 x 94 1/4 in. (14
Credit Line
Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation
Accession Number
2002.10-D
Rights
© artist or artist's estate
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Frequent Art Questions
What are the various names listed beneath the names in the yellow boxes?
The names in the yellow boxes, as you may know, correspond to the 39 place settings at The Dinner Party. The names underneath list the associated names on the Heritage Floor. There are 999 more names on the tile beneath the table and each of the names can be associated, thematically, with one of the place settings. Be sure to look down when you're in installation!What was the selection process? Why did they pick Petronilla de Meath instead of Joan of Arc?
Interesting thought! According to Chicago, the criteria were as follows:1) Did the woman make a significant contribution to society? 2) Did she attempt to improve conditions for women? 3) Did her life illuminate an aspect of women's experience or provide a model for the future?I would imagine that she chose Petronilla instead because even in the 1970s, many people already knew of Joan of Arc and Chicago wanted bring attention to another historical figure.Mmm, I understand. Thanks for answering!
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