Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>Petronilla de Meath 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, wool, silk, cotton, felt padding, wool and cotton cords, yarn, cotton floss, thread
Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint, Runner: 51 1/2 x 21 in. (130.8 x 53.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-21. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-21_plate_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Petronilla de Meath Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner: Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, wool, silk, cotton, felt padding, wool and cotton cords, yarn, cotton floss, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint, Runner: 51 1/2 x 21 in. (130.8 x 53.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-21. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-21_plate_PS9.jpg)

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Who was Petronilla de Meath?

Petronilla de Meath, at "The Dinner Party," serves as a symbol. She was convicted of witchcraft and burned at the stake, the first woman in Ireland to suffer this fate.

Her place is adorned with symbols of witchcraft. She symbolizes women in history who were persecuted for being outspoken.

We just spotted the broomstick!

Yes! The symbolism on the runners especially can get really complex. The backs of the runners are decorated as well but you can only see them from across the table. This was another way that Chicago hinted at the invisibility and erasure that these women were subjected to.

Thanks.

Petronilla de Meath 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, wool, silk, cotton, felt padding, wool and cotton cords, yarn, cotton floss, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint

DATES 1974–1979

DIMENSIONS Runner: 51 1/2 x 21 in. (130.8 x 53.3 cm) Plate: 13 3/4 x 14 x 1 in. (34.9 x 35.6 x 2.5 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10-PS-21

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). Petronilla de Meath Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner: Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, wool, silk, cotton, felt padding, wool and cotton cords, yarn, cotton floss, thread Plate: Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint) and paint, Runner: 51 1/2 x 21 in. (130.8 x 53.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-21. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-21_plate_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2002.10-PS-21_plate_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013

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