Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>The Dinner Party</em>, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Photo by Donald Woodman, 2002.10_DWoodman_2018_DSC01906.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Photo by Donald Woodman, 2002.10_DWoodman_2018_DSC01906.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view5_large_R1004630_5-005.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view6_large_R1004630_7-006.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view3_large_R1004630_9-003.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view4_large_R1004630_6-004.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view2_large_R1004630_3-002.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view1_large_R1004630_10-001.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view7_large_R1004630_8-007.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_34_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_36_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_38_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_39_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_33_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_37_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_35_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_41_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_42_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E_2017_Roots_of_the_Dinner_Party_40_PS11.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_07_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_09_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_12_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_11_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_04_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_10_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_13_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_03_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_06_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_14_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10_DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_08_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10_DIG_E2007_Dinner_Party_05_PS2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-29_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-30_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-32_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-33_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-34_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-35_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-38_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-39_threequarter_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-09_Judith_Jook_Leung_photo_9300r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-13_Hypatia_Jook_Leung_photo_9308r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-10_Sappho_Jook_Leung_photo_9302r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-03_Ishtar_Jook_Leung_photo_9288r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-16_Theodora_Jook_Leung_photo_9324r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-01_Primordial_Goddess_Jook_Leung_photo_9284r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-06_Sophia_Jook_Leung_photo_9294r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-31_Sojourner_Truth_Jook_Leung_photo_9363r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-11_Aspasia_Jook_Leung_photo_9304r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-19_Eleanor_of_Aquitaine_Jook_Leung_photo_9330r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-35_Ethyl_Smith_Jook_Leung_photo_9371r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-07_Amazon_Jook_Leung_photo_9296r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-36_Margaret_Sanger_Jook_Leung_photo_9373r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-27_Anne_Hutchinson_Jook_Leung_photo_9354r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-39_Georgia_OKeefe_Jook_Leung_photo_9379r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-14_Marcella_Jook_Leung_photo_9320r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-17_Hrosvitha_Jook_Leung_photo_9326r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-23_Isabella_dEste_Jook_Leung_photo_9338r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-08_Hatshepsut_Jook_Leung_photo_9298r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-12_Boadaceia_Jook_Leung_photo_9306r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-02_Fertile_Goddess_Jook_Leung_photo_9286r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-20_Hildegarde_of_Bingen_Jook_Leung_photo_9332r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-32_Susan_B_Anthony_Jook_Leung_photo_9365r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-29_Caroline_Herschel_Jook_Leung_photo_9359r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-25_Artemesia_Gentileschi_Jook_Leung_photo_9342r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-33_Elizabeth_Blackwell_Jook_Leung_photo_9367r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-05_Snake_Goddess_Jook_Leung_photo_9292r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-24_Elizabeth_R_Jook_Leung_photo_9340r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-28_Sacajawea_Jook_Leung_photo_9356r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-18_Trotula_Jook_Leung_photo_9328r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-15_Saint_Bridget_Jook_Leung_photo_9322r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-30_Mary_Wollstonecraft_Jook_Leung_photo_9361r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-34_Emily_Dickinson_Jook_Leung_photo_9369r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-38_Virginia_Woolf_Jook_Leung_photo_9377r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-22_Christine_de_Pisan_Jook_Leung_photo_9336r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-21_Petronilla_de_Meath_Jook_Leung_photo_9334r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-26_Anna_van_Schurman_Jook_Leung_photo_9344r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: , 2002.10-PS-37_Natalie_Barney_Jook_Leung_photo_9375r2.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Donald Woodman, CUR.2002.10-EB-2_Donald_Woodman_photograph_corrected.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Donald Woodman, CUR.2002.10-EB-6_Donald_Woodman_photograph_corrected.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Donald Woodman, CUR.2002.10-EB-1_Donald_Woodman_photograph_corrected.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Donald Woodman, CUR.2002.10-EB-3_Donald_Woodman_photograph_corrected.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Donald Woodman, CUR.2002.10-EB-5_Donald_Woodman_photograph_corrected.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Donald Woodman, CUR.2002.10-EB-4_Donald_Woodman_photograph_corrected.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view6_R1004630_7-006.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view3_R1004630_9-003.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view4_R1004630_6-004.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view2_R1004630_3-002.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view1_R1004630_10-001.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view7_R1004630_8-007.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-D_heritage_panel_view5_R1004630_5-005.jpg)

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Was The Dinner Party intended for this specific room?

No, this room was actually specially built for The Dinner Party! When the Brooklyn Museum acquired the artwork, it was with the intention that it would serve as the centerpiece of a feminist art gallery. Museum staff and Chicago worked with designers to ensure that the piece would be able to stay on view long-term while still being protected and preserved. You may have noticed, for example, the mirrored walls that reflect light making it easier for viewers to see without increasing the amount of light in the room.

Why was a dinner party chosen as the format?

The idea of a dinner party has a few layers of symbolic meaning. Historically, the place where meals were served in the domestic “feminine” space. It is also connected to historical imagery like the Biblical Last Supper. Chicago describes this installation as “a reinterpretation of the Last Supper from the point of view of those who’ve done the cooking throughout history.”

Chicago has also said that her aim was, “to teach a society unversed in women’s history something of the reality of our rich heritage." She sought to bring together the overlooked richness that women have contributed to history with the kings of things that might historically be referred to as “women’s work,” like china painting, and embroidery.

At first, Chicago intended the project to culminate in twenty-five china-painted plates to hang on a wall, titled Twenty-five Women Who Were Eaten Alive. When she visited the home of a professional china-painter who had spent several years producing an elaborate dinner service for 16 people. The settings were arranged in order on the painter’s dining room table. Chicago claims she had an epiphany at that moment, “realizing that plates are meant to be presented on a table.”

Did Judy Chicago collaborate with other artists for The Dinner Party or do all of it herself?

For the first year and a half of the work on The Dinner Party, Judy Chicago worked alone. After that, she collaborated with a host of other artists, administrators, and volunteers. Chicago conceived of and designed the enormous work and made a point to learn all of the techniques represented, like embroidery and ceramics. Doing it all herself would have taken much more than five years though! In all, 400 total volunteers contributed to the project in some way. The bulk of the work was done by 23 people who worked alongside Chicago continuously.

Is there any significance to the shapes on the plates? They kind of seem like vaginas.

Some of them are. The Dinner Party makes use of forms that are associated with femininity, fertility, and transformation, including vulvas, butterflies, triangular shapes, and floral shapes. Chicago coined the term “central core” to describe this imagery built around the vulvar shape. Her intention was to reclaim the form of the female genitalia and cast it in a positive light. This, however, has also been one of the critiques of The Dinner Party: that it essentializes women down to their genitalia, and that it upholds the gender binary.

What is the symbolism of the triangular table?

According to Chicago, it has to do with an ancient symbol of the feminine and fertility likely stemming from a pubic triangle. The equilateral triangle is also meant to relate to equality, plus, a triangular table has no head, no one guest is elevated above the others. Some have also noted the connection to the letter delta, which is also the mathematical symbol of change which is in line with other messages of transformation and metamorphosis, like the butterfly forms in some of the plates.

Why do the plates become more three dimensional over time?

The increase in dimensionality of the plates is a reference to women's visibility and level of participation in society. Hatshepsut's plate has an almost imperceptible sculptural quality because she was, after all, the king. The final plates, Georgia O'Keeffe's and Virginia Woolf's, are the most sculptural because Chicago felt it was at this point that women developed their own visual and written language to describe their experiences.

Judy Chicago has said, "In the second wing the images rise up and go back down, only to rise up and go back down again. While in the 3rd wing they become progressively more dimensional. This is a metaphor for a women’s desire to become free but is also a metaphor for women’s experience and a symbol of the larger human experience. It is not only women who are not free most people’s lives are limited by their race, their class, or their life circumstances."

Was The Dinner Party initially controversial?

At the time it was completed and throughout its history, The Dinner Party has inspired both celebration and criticism. Its tour in the 1980s saw record-breaking attendance; over 1.5 million visited the BkM exhibition alone! At the same time, the potentially sexual connotations of the plates caused many people to regard this work as pornographic. It was difficult for Chicago to find places to exhibit the work and even more difficult to find it a permanent home—it finally entered the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum in 2002. In recent years, it has also been criticized for its limiting view of women's history especially in terms of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.

How were the individuals with place settings and the names on the floor selected?

According to Chicago the place settings were selected by the following criteria: 1) Did the woman make a significant contribution to society? 2) Did she attempt to improve conditions for women? 3) Did her life illuminate an aspect of women's experience or provide a model for the future? The floor is called the Heritage Floor and the names of 999 mythical and historical women of achievement are inscribed on it. The names are correlated to the 39 women at the table; visually, they flow out, in streams, emanating from the corresponding woman’s place. These 999 names are there to not only acknowledge these particular women, but also to represent the vast numbers of women who may have been forgotten.

What is the significance of the cups and utensils? Why aren’t they personalized?

On a purely visual level, the sameness of the flatware and chalice is key in uniting all of the very different place settings. Chicago's conceptual reasoning is that despite how different these women were, and despite whatever they accomplished or unique their lives were, they were all essentially treated the same by society. Their accomplishments and contributions were all similarly overshadowed or forgotten.

Has The Dinner Party ever changed? Will it?

The Dinner Party has not changed since its completion in 1979. Chicago has no plans to update it. Though it might be made quite differently today, The Dinner Party was an important step towards telling a broader narrative about history and art history. The work encourages viewers to challenge the histories we are taught, and it is frequently used as a prompt for considering who would be honored if it were made today.

The Dinner Party

Judy Chicago

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

On View: Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor

About this Brooklyn Icon
The Brooklyn Museum is commemorating its 200th anniversary by spotlighting 200 standout objects in its encyclopedic collection.

Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party (1974–79) is an icon of 1970s American feminist art, one of the most important artworks of the 20th century, and a visitor favorite. The large-scale installation celebrates the lives and achievements of historical and mythical women across Western civilization in the form of a lavish banquet table set for 39. The names of 999 more women stream out on the Heritage Floor. Conceptually daring and visually dazzling, Chicago’s landmark artwork challenges centuries of patriarchal erasure of women’s history. This feat is executed in brilliant detail across the painted and shaped ceramic plates and richly embellished needlework runners, materials specifically chosen for their resonance with so-called women’s work.

Once derided as “3-D ceramic pornography” by a U.S. congressman, The Dinner Party’s symbolic layers reward close looking. They focus on the “central core” (or vulvar) imagery in an unprecedented embrace of body-based abstract art that was highly controversial in the years following its debut. Despite the critics, The Dinner Party was always beloved, attracting droves of visitors eager to see women’s history fully celebrated. The gift of this work to the Brooklyn Museum created the Center for Feminist Art, where the installation is on permanent display and surrounded by rotating galleries of feminist art.

ARTIST Judy Chicago, American, born 1939

MEDIUM Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table

Place Made: United States

DATES 1974–1979

DIMENSIONS 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm) each side: 48 ft. (1463.4 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10

CREDIT LINE Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Work consists of 39 dinner place settings of porcelain flatware (fork, knife and spoon), porcelain chalice, and decorated porcelain plate. Each setting is laid out on a separate embroidered textile runner. Thirteen place settings are on each side (48 feet long) of a triangular table draped with a white felt cloth, with a triangular millennium runner at each of three corners. Each of the settings represents one of thirty-nine historically significant women. The table sits on a floor of 2304 porcelain triangular tiles (in 129 units) inscribed with the names of 999 significant women. The work is introduced by 6 hanging banners woven in the traditional French Aubusson tapestry technique. These banners and the work itself "express the belief and hope that once reverence for the feminine is reestablished on Earth, a balance will be restored to human existence and 'Everywhere will be Eden once again'." Adjacent to the work in the Brooklyn Museum installation hang 7 photographic reproductions of the original Heritage Panels. The accompanying 3 Acknowledgement Panels are reproduced on the Museum's website. All the elements necessary for the installation of the floor and table including 36 ceramic table leg sleeves were designed and fabricated for the work. The lighting and guard rail that came with the work are in the domain of the Design Department and have been replaced for reinstallation in a permanent space.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor

CAPTION Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). The Dinner Party, 1974–1979. Ceramic, porcelain, textile; triangular table, 576 x 576 in. (1463 x 1463 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Photo by Donald Woodman, 2002.10_DWoodman_2018_DSC01906.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2002.10_DWoodman_2018_DSC01906.jpg. Photo by Donald Woodman, 2018

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