Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>Saint Bridget Place Setting</em>, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, silk, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, hardwood, wool, monofilament nylon thread, silk, cotton floss thread, yarn, thread
Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), Runner:51 5/8 x 30 1/4 (131.1 x 76.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-15. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-15_plate_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Saint Bridget Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, silk, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, hardwood, wool, monofilament nylon thread, silk, cotton floss thread, yarn, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), Runner:51 5/8 x 30 1/4 (131.1 x 76.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-15. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-15_plate_PS9.jpg)

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Why is Saint Bridget's S on fire?

Bridget's Celtic name, Brigid, means "fiery arrow" and can be traced back to the goddess of the same name. There is also flame imagery on the plate and on the back of the runner surrounding the celtic cross.

Can someone please tell me a little more about the artist's choice to include Saint Bridget?

Saint Bridget of Ireland's name comes from the Celtic word "brigid", meaning "fiery arrow". You can see this reflected in the embroidery of her name. The saint founded many convents and is credited with initiating the monastic movement in Ireland. This was especially important for women because monasteries were often the only way women could be formally educated. Judy Chicago wanted to honor her as an important female figure in the Christian tradition.

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We are in The Dinner Party installation. Can you tell us about Saint Bridget and her significance?

Absolutely! Saint Bridget is credited with starting the monastic movement in Ireland which became a defining moment in Irish Christianity. Convents and monasteries throughout the nation came to serve as the administrative, legal, intellectual, cultural, and agricultural centers for their areas.

Her name comes from Brigid, a Celtic goddess, which also means fiery arrow. Judy Chicago built on the meaning of her name when incorporating the fiery imagery in her place setting.

Thank you!

Is that wood on Saint Bridget's runner?

There isn't any actual wood in Saint Bridget's runner, but parts of it are meant to look like wood as a reference to the first convent she founded which was known as the "Church of the Oak."

There is some wood included in Georgia O'Keeffe's runner as a reference to the stretchers used for painting canvas.

Who was St. Bridget?

St. Bridget is credited with beginning the monastic movement in Ireland, which is why she was canonized as a saint. She was known for her faith and charity. The name Bridget comes from a name of a Celtic goddess, Brigid, meaning fiery arrow. This is why you'll notice orange flames on the plate and runner.

Saint Bridget 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, silk, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, hardwood, wool, monofilament nylon thread, silk, cotton floss thread, yarn, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint)

DATES 1974–1979

DIMENSIONS Runner:51 5/8 x 30 1/4 (131.1 x 76.8 cm) Plate: 14 x 14 x 1 in. (35.6 x 35.6 x 2.5 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10-PS-15

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). Saint Bridget Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, silk, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, hardwood, wool, monofilament nylon thread, silk, cotton floss thread, yarn, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), Runner:51 5/8 x 30 1/4 (131.1 x 76.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-15. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-15_plate_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2002.10-PS-15_plate_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013

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