Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>Christine de Pisan 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, canvas, wool yarn, thread
Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), Runner: 51 3/4 x 30 1/8 (131.4 x 76.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-22. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-22_runner_PS1.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Christine de Pisan Place Setting, 1974-1979. Runner: Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, canvas, wool yarn, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), Runner: 51 3/4 x 30 1/8 (131.4 x 76.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-22. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-22_runner_PS1.jpg)

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Who was Christine de Pisan?

Christine de Pisan was a scholar in the 14th–15th century. Born in Venice, she moved to France with her father, who was hired as an astrologer and advisor to Charles V. At the court, Christine devoted herself to study and advocated for the rights of women.

Is there any meaning to the colors in this one?

The colors are most likely a reference to Christine de Pisan’s Italian heritage. They are similar to the original color scheme of chairs in the Bargello palace in Florence, whose upholstery inspired the needlepoint technique (which Judy Chicago called “beyond Bargello”) used on the runner.

Chicago says that the form on the plate is designed to recall a butterfly with “one wing raised in a gesture of defense, to symbolize her efforts to protect women.”

Look inside the letter C, if you can. There is a scene from an illuminated manuscript. The figure to the right represents de Pisan herself and she is presenting her work to the Queen of France.

Can you tell me about Christine de Pisan?

Christine de Pisan was a prolific author of entertaining, historical, and moralizing works living in the French court in the 14th-15th century.

She was born to a wealthy family in Venice and moved to France as a child when her father was hired as an astrologer and advisor to King Charles V. She was educated at the court and married to the court secretary.

Christine de Pisan 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, canvas, wool yarn, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint)

DATES 1974-1979

DIMENSIONS Runner: 51 3/4 x 30 1/8 (131.4 x 76.5 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-22

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). Christine de Pisan Place Setting, 1974-1979. Runner: Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, canvas, wool yarn, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), Runner: 51 3/4 x 30 1/8 (131.4 x 76.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-22. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-22_runner_PS1.jpg)

IMAGE group, 2002.10-PS-22_runner_PS1.jpg.

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