Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>Hypatia 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, weft-faced bleached linen tapestry, single-ply wool weft, silk thread, wool thread, rubber rings
Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint,, Runner:51 1/2 x 29 7/8 in. (130.8 x 75.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-13. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-13_plate_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Hypatia Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, weft-faced bleached linen tapestry, single-ply wool weft, silk thread, wool thread, rubber rings Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint,, Runner:51 1/2 x 29 7/8 in. (130.8 x 75.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-13. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-13_plate_PS9.jpg)

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Who was Hypatia?

Hypatia of Alexandria lived from approximately 370 to 415 CE. She was the first woman to make significant advances in the fields of mathematics and philosophy. She was also a respected teacher and astronomer and wrote several books and essays, including "The Astronomical Canon."

She eventually became the head of the Platonist school in Alexandria, aka the Museum of Alexandria. There she resurrected an interest in Greek religion, goddesses, and other Pagan teachings. These Pagan beliefs eventually became a threat to the Christian church and, after her death, the Museum of Alexandria was raided and all of her writings destroyed.

Is the scallop edge of the Hypatia plate a reference to the manner of her murder?

Yes! The sense of movement in four directions represents the brutality of her death, as she was torn apart. Many Egyptian scholars in her time (5th century) converted to Christianity to avoid persecution, but Hypatia refused to let go of her Pagan beliefs.

Thank you!!

What does this plate symbolize?

It represents Hypatia who was a mathematician, astronomer, teacher, philosopher, and regarded as one of the last great thinkers of ancient Alexandria.

The leaf motif of the plate is drawn from Coptic textiles - Egyptian woven fabric designs from the 4th century when she was alive.

Do you have some more information on Hypatia's mathematical work?

To my knowledge, none of Hypatia's own writings have survived. The Christians, who were quickly rising in power, viewed her as an enemy for several reasons including her devotion to the "old gods." One of her students, Synesius, went on to become a bishop and some of his notes survive.

From these notes we know that she taught her students how to make an astrolabe, an astronomical measuring device used into the 19th century, as well as teaching the math behind the object. She is also known to have collaborated with her father, Theon, on his writings.

Oh Synesius. Thank you that is very interesting.

Absolutely! She was well respected and even popular with the intellectuals and public in Alexandria. Even without her own writings, her influence is certainly felt!

What’s the meaning of this back panel in the Dinner Party?

That is Hypatia's place setting. She was a philosopher, mathematician, and teacher.

Judy Chicago said, "Coptic imagery, incorporated here both in her plate and runner design, is typified by the heavy black outlining, motifs like hearts, interlacing, and curly headed goddesses that you see here. I incorporated goddess imagery into the illumination of Hypatia's name and in the woven back of her runner which depicts her death. She was torn limb from limb by a group of fanatic monks."

Very dramatic!!

Hypatia 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, weft-faced bleached linen tapestry, single-ply wool weft, silk thread, wool thread, rubber rings Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint,

DATES 1974–1979

DIMENSIONS Runner:51 1/2 x 29 7/8 in. (130.8 x 75.9 cm) Plate:13 7/8 x 14 x 1 3/16 in. (35.2 x 35.6 x 3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10-PS-13

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). Hypatia Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, weft-faced bleached linen tapestry, single-ply wool weft, silk thread, wool thread, rubber rings Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint,, Runner:51 1/2 x 29 7/8 in. (130.8 x 75.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-13. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-13_plate_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2002.10-PS-13_plate_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013

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RIGHTS STATEMENT © Judy Chicago

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