During this time of year, I feel especially thankful for all of my family and friends. The people in my life have helped me become the person that I am today, and I am grateful for them!

With this in mind, I took a walk through the galleries at the New Orleans Museum of Art to find some artistic expressions of family and friends.

My first stop is the Portrait of the Martini Family by Jan Mytens. Portraits were all the rage for the Dutch at this time. I love how this painting provides us with a glimpse into a real family’s life.

Portrait of Martini family
Jan Mytens, Portrait of the Martini Family, 1647, Museum purchase, General Acquisitions Fund, 79.216

 

The next stop is one of NOMA’s most beloved paintings, The Cardinals’ Friendly Chat by Jehan Georges Vibert. This is a fictional scene, but it never fails to make me smile. When I look at these two friends talking, I can’t help but want to join in their conversation!

reminder of friendship at NOMA
Jehan Georges Vibert, The Cardinals’ Friendly Chat, circa 1880, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman H. Hyams, 15.27

 

Our final stop is the Ancestor Memorial Screen (Duein Fubara) attributed to the Pokia Family Atelier of Ifoko. The large figure on the screen represents the family’s ancestor. This would have been used to remember the ancestor and to look for his guidance.

thanksgiving with NOMA
Pokia Family Atelier of Ifoko (attributed to), Kalabari Ijo Peoples, Ancestor Memorial Screen (Duein Fubara), late 19th-early 20th century, Museum purchase, George S. Frierson Jr. Fund, 97.160.

Who are you thankful for this season? Let them know by sending them a “Thankful Card!”

Thankful Cards

Supplies:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Round object like rolling pin or toilet paper roll
  • Tape
  • Paint (preferably acrylic)
  • Paint brushes
  • Cardstock in assorted colors
  • Sharpies or other markers
  • Glue stick

Wrap bubble wrap around the round object and secure with tape.

Apply a layer of paint to the bubble wrap. Feel free to mix your colors while painting—it will make the print even more fun!

While waiting for your paint to dry, prep your card by folding a piece of letter-sized cardstock in half.

Once the paint is dry, cut a section out to glue on the front of your card. Cut out another, smaller piece of cardstock to glue on top of the print. This will be where you can write your greeting.

On the inside, write a note describing why you are thankful for the recipient!

thanksgiving card

By Elise Solomon.

November 17, 2017.

If you liked this blog post, check out Elise’s article “Fun Spooky Sculptures at NOMA“