Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>Boadaceia Place Setting</em>, 1974-1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, silk thread, handmade wool/felt forms, wool yarn, copper, “jewels,” thread
Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and burnished gold, Runner:52 x 30 1/2 in. (132.1 x 77.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-12. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-12_plate_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Boadaceia Place Setting, 1974-1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, silk thread, handmade wool/felt forms, wool yarn, copper, “jewels,” thread Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and burnished gold, Runner:52 x 30 1/2 in. (132.1 x 77.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-12. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-12_plate_PS9.jpg)

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Why is it fuzzy?

It is fuzzy because it is made of felt, which Judy Chicago selected because it is one of the oldest types of textiles. It was actually made in a historical method of compressing wool with water and heat. The curling outlines alluded to Boadaceia’s personal strength and Roman encroachment on her autonomy and power.

The plate for Boadaceia is gorgeous. Please tell me more!

Boadaceia was a tribal leader in Celtic Britain. She led a resistance against the Romans who were conquering the British Isles, breaking a treaty they had with her father when he was king. Sadly her revolt was unsuccessful and after a series of defeats she committed suicide.

Thank you!

I'd like to know more about Boadaceia!

Boadaceia was a warrior queen of the Iceni people in Celtic Britain. She helped unify tribes to wage war on the Romans, who were attempting to conquer the British Isles. She is viewed as a cultural symbol in Britain, and stands for leadership and strength at the dinner party.

Who is that?

Boadaceia, also known as Boudica, was a Celtic warrior queen who is known for having led a revolt against the ancient Romans during their oppressive rule over the area that is now England.

She is celebrated in Britain as a hero in the struggle for independence. She united multiple Celtic tribes under her leadership in the name of the revolt. According to the Roman historian Tacitus, she said “Nothing is safe from Roman pride and arrogance. They will deface the sacred and will deflower our virgins. Win the battle or perish, that is what I, a woman, will do.”

Do you know how "Boadaceia" is pronounced?

I believe it is pronounced "BOO-dih-cah."

Is this Celtic?

Yes! Boadaceia, or Boudica, is remembered as a vengeful, warrior queen who led a Celtic revolt against the oppressive Roman rule over England. She is celebrated in Britain as a hero in the struggle for independence.

The curling lines take inspiration from Celtic art and these appliqués are made of felt using historical techniques of compressing wool with water and heat.

Boadaceia Place Setting

Judy Chicago

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

On View: Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor

ARTIST Judy Chicago, American, born 1939

MEDIUM Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, silk thread, handmade wool/felt forms, wool yarn, copper, “jewels,” thread Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and burnished gold

DATES 1974-1979

DIMENSIONS Runner:52 x 30 1/2 in. (132.1 x 77.5 cm) Plate:14 x 14 x 1 3/16 in. (35.6 x 35.6 x 3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10-PS-12

CREDIT LINE Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor

CAPTION Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Boadaceia Place Setting, 1974-1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, silk thread, handmade wool/felt forms, wool yarn, copper, “jewels,” thread Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and burnished gold, Runner:52 x 30 1/2 in. (132.1 x 77.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-12. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-12_plate_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2002.10-PS-12_plate_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013

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