"Well-behaved women seldom make history."
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (historian)
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If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would you pick? When you’re feminist artist Judy Chicago and can’t narrow it down, you invite 1,038 of history’s most important women to the table. What’s the occasion?
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Judy Chicago, "The Dinner Party", 1974–79. mixed media: ceramic, porcelain, textile, Brooklyn Museum, New York. © Judy Chicago / ADAGP.
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Chicago is frustrated with the exclusion of women from the history books and has decided to do something about it. Hoping "to teach a society unversed in women’s history something of the reality of our rich heritage," she pays tribute to unsung heroines in her 1970s installation, The Dinner Party.
At a trio of tables made from ceramic, porcelain and other materials, Chicago sets places for 39 of the most influential women who ever lived. Who’s on her guest list? Goddesses of many religions, mythological heroines, powerful leaders from every corner of the globe, artists, writers, intellectuals, activists, and groundbreaking scientists in all fields. What a group!
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Judy Chicago, "The Dinner Party (Sojourner Truth place setting)", 1974–79. mixed media: ceramic, porcelain, textile, Brooklyn Museum, New York. © Judy Chicago / ADAGP. 2016.
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To make sure no worthy guest is forgotten, she honors an additional 999 women by painting their names on the floor. Reinterpreting the idea of the Last Supper, she wants to make up for centuries of important meals where the only women in attendance were serving maids.
Each of her guests has been given an elaborate place setting, including a personalized plate and placemat reflecting her unique story. The hand-painted porcelain and embroidered fabric celebrate traditional "women’s work."
History may have overlooked these ladies, but their party has been going strong for the last 30 years. Unfortunately, the food’s all gone, but the conversation won’t run dry any time soon.
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Judy Chicago, "The Dinner Party (Sappho place setting)", 1974–79. mixed media: ceramic, porcelain, textile, Brooklyn Museum, New York. © Judy Chicago / ADAGP 2016.
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 Well-behaved women seldom make history.
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Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (historian) 
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Judy Chicago, "The Dinner Party (Sappho place setting)", 1974–79. mixed media: ceramic, porcelain, textile, Brooklyn Museum, New York. Detail of the Heritage Floor. © Judy Chicago / ADAGP 2016.
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In total, how many women are honored by The Dinner Party?
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