Do the corners mean anything? The three are different, is that based on the millennium?
It is! Did you notice the pattern makes the shape of the letter M in the center of each triangle? Chicago said, "This M becomes more or less distinct on the three corners of the table which correspond to the different times in history when women either enjoyed freedom and respect or were denied them. The pattern I designed is the same for all three runners, but each is done in a different white work technique.".... so they relate to the three different time periods of the three sides.
What does the “m” stand for at the corners of The Dinner Party?
Here's what Judy Chicago herself says:
"If you look closely, you can make out the letter M in the center which stands for the millennium in which women will again be respected and women's experience will be incorporated into our cultural heritage."
She adds, "They also carry a level of coded meaning which has to do with the triangular pattern that's on each of the corners. Historically, women have included coded messages in their needlework."
Each of the three corners is worked in a different technique. And some of the M's are more visible than others, just as women have had varying amounts of visibility and power throughout history.
Perfect. Thanks!
Who did the embroidery?
The embroidery, as with all aspects of The Dinner Party, was completed by a team of many people led by Judy Chicago. You may be especially interested in Caroline Herschel's runner. It was executed by Marjorie Biggs who was the project's most skilled embroiderer who taught many of the other assistants. She also did the triangular Millennium Runners at each corner.
Wow!
