Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>Isabella d'Este 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, thread, silk satin fabric, silk thread, cotton canvas, silk cord, handmade silk tassels
Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), yellow luster, and rainbow overglaze, Runner: 52 1/8 x 30 3/8 in. (132.4 x 77.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-23. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-23_plate_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Isabella d'Este Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner: Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, thread, silk satin fabric, silk thread, cotton canvas, silk cord, handmade silk tassels Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), yellow luster, and rainbow overglaze, Runner: 52 1/8 x 30 3/8 in. (132.4 x 77.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-23. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-23_plate_PS9.jpg)

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Who was Isabella d'Este?

Isabella d’Este was a powerful and well-educated political figure, humanitarian, patron of the arts. Known as “The First Lady of the Renaissance,” she was related to nearly every ruler in Italy either by birth or marriage.

What’s this about?

This place setting is for Isabella d'Este, who was a powerful 15th century Italian noblewoman. She loved the arts and collected ceramics. The design of her plate resembles Renaissance Italian earthenware and is similar to pieces she would have owned!

Was the design of the each plate specific to the personal history of the 39 women presented?

Yes they are! This plate, for example, recalls Urbino maiolica ceramics which were popular during d'Este's lifetime. She herself was a collector of maiolica.

The center of the plate leads the eye down a corridor of archways in reference to the achievements of Renaissance era artists in terms of perspective, horizon lines, and vanishing points.

Fascinating!

Who is Isabella d'Este?

She is often referred to as the "First Lady of the Renaissance." She was born into the Este family, the ruling family of Ferrara, and married into the Gonzaga, the ruling family of Mantua.

As a child, she excelled in her education, especially language, politics, and music.

Also, as the Marchesa of Mantua, she was an avid patron of the arts whose collecting habits impacted the way art is displayed all the way through to today.

Isabella d'Este 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, thread, silk satin fabric, silk thread, cotton canvas, silk cord, handmade silk tassels Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), yellow luster, and rainbow overglaze

DATES 1974–1979

DIMENSIONS Runner: 52 1/8 x 30 3/8 in. (132.4 x 77.2 cm) Plate:13 7/8 x 13 7/8 x 1 3/16 in. (35.2 x 35.2 x 3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10-PS-23

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). Isabella d'Este Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner: Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, thread, silk satin fabric, silk thread, cotton canvas, silk cord, handmade silk tassels Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), yellow luster, and rainbow overglaze, Runner: 52 1/8 x 30 3/8 in. (132.4 x 77.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-23. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-23_plate_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2002.10-PS-23_plate_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013

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RIGHTS STATEMENT © Judy Chicago

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