By Cindy Barotte | Project Leader
Dear donor,
Thank you very much for your generosity. We are deeply touched that you have chosen to support our cause.
In this report, you will find recent testimonials from participants that illustrate the importance of our work for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. We also share an example of a commentary on a work of art, designed to help people living with Alzheimer’s stimulate their memory and engage in meaningful exchanges with others.
“Besides being fun, discovering the artwork for ourselves helps us take it in more fully. We have enough time to look at the details and colours. We receive good guidance, the group size is just right for a positive group dynamic, and the supportive atmosphere helps us feel comfortable speaking up. As a result, I can remember the artworks, understand them and talk about them with the people around me.”
Paloma – Rhône
“On several occasions, I have felt that my attention and memory were improving. Spending 20 minutes observing a work of art is not something we usually do. Our lifestyles push us to skim over things, to move quickly from one subject to another. We do not know how to observe; we rarely take the time to look. If information is not taken in, it is unlikely to be retained and recalled later. Perhaps the benefit of this approach lies in breaking our usual habits of observation and, little by little, establishing new ones. Learning how to look, perhaps ;-)”
Joëlle – Indre
“Its greatest strength is that it is accessible to everyone, probably including people who are unfamiliar with this kind of approach. The interaction at every stage helps sustain attention and shows everyone that art is accessible and created by people facing the same challenges as everyone else. ARTZ’s approach brings out the humanity in art and in those taking part. In that sense, it is very comforting and surely valuable to the participants.”
Jeanne – Gironde
This commentary focuses on a famous work by Jacob Jordaens entitled The King Drinks, painted around 1638–1640
What catches your eye in this scene?
Ten people are enjoying a feast. Dressed in red, a seated woman turns towards us and raises her glass. Opposite her, another guest rests her hand on a child’s shoulder. Beside her, a man wearing a hat holds a goblet.
Describe each person in this festive scene. Look closely at their faces and describe their expressions in detail.
On the left, an elderly man wearing a crown is drinking while a servant pours wine for a bearded man.
On the right, a drinker with his mouth wide open appears to be singing. Behind him are an elderly woman and a maid bringing in a dish. In the foreground, a dog stretches its muzzle towards a basket filled with crockery.
This painting depicts members of the artist’s family. How can we tell?
Notice the different stages of life represented, the gestures and signs of shared understanding, as well as the physical closeness and resemblances between the figures.
Every stage of life is represented in this family: a child in the centre, young women, middle-aged men and elderly people. Jordaens shows a real, noisy family gathered around a meal, enjoying being together.
Jacob Jordaens used members of his own family as models. He is thought to have portrayed his wife, Catharina van Noort, and their daughter Elisabeth in the centre. They also appear in Family Concert, painted around 1620–1625.
This family is celebrating Epiphany. How is this tradition reflected in the painting?
Remind participants that this feast is celebrated on 6 January and commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men. Discuss the traditional cake and the custom of choosing a king, a queen and a jester.
The scene in The King Drinks is associated with the feast of Epiphany, celebrated on 6 January, which commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus. In Flemish and French folk tradition, this feast is marked by a meal at which a cake or tart with a bean hidden inside is shared. Whoever finds it is symbolically made king or queen and can “give orders”, in a spirit of fun and role reversal. A jester livens up the celebration, singing, improvising jokes and encouraging everyone to drink.
Jordaens takes up this theme but offers a personal, family-centred interpretation, unlike artists such as David Teniers the Younger, who use it to satirise the excesses of ordinary people.
What is striking about the composition is the balance between apparent chaos and careful organisation. How does the artist achieve this?
Identify the details that make the scene feel lively, spontaneous and almost noisy. Then look for the elements that reveal a precise organisation of space.
At first glance, the scene seems chaotic. There are many figures, with varied postures and expressive gestures. Some are talking, others are drinking or stretching out their arms. This variety creates an impression of movement, noise and spontaneous activity. It brings this family celebration to life.
On closer inspection, however, we discover a carefully organised space. The figures form a semicircle around the table. Their gazes and gestures connect them to one another. Although some figures are seen from the front, others from behind and others in profile, they are arranged in clearly defined spatial planes, giving structure to the depth of the scene. Finally, the light highlights the faces and the tablecloth, creating a stable central area around which the whole composition is organised.
What does this scene bring to mind for you? Could this be your family?
This extract gives you an insight into our method of cognitive stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
We would be delighted to invite you to take part in online visits planned throughout the year. You are welcome to join these groups if you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Warmly,
Cindy Barotte
By cindy barotte | Project Leader
By Cindy Barotte | Project Leader
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