“The Swing” Made Her Smile

Art observation among groups strengthens social bonds and individual emotional connections to art. It can be a serious discussion, or sometimes what one person observes may trigger laughter and joy-filled self expression.

While taking time to look over the painting “The Swing”, by Jean-Honore Fragonard, a small giggle came from someone in the group. Everyone turned to Tomoko as the volume of that contagious giggle rose. She appeared so excited about what she had realized that Tomoko could hardly contain her joy. She was very animated as she waved her hands toward the bottom right of the painting, wanting everyone to notice the second suitor in the shadows. Tomoko whispered, “She has more men than she needs.”