200YEARS-010724 - Flipbook - Page 26
200 YEARS
JOURNEY
THROUGH
THAI
MODERN ART
HISTORY
capturing the monarch9s scholarly, contemplative, and poetic demeanor38 to
the King9s satisfaction. After King passing, Feroci was commissioned to create
a full-body statue for enshrinement at the Prasart Phra Debidorn in the Dusit
Maha Prasat.
In 1928, during the reign of King Prajadhipok (1893-1941), the government
prepared celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Bangkok9s founding. As part
of the commemorations, the Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge project was initiated
along with, the construction of the monument of Phra Phuttha Yodfa Chulalok
to honor the founding monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. Feroci received the
prestigious assignment of enlarging the sketched image by Prince Naris of the
king adorned with a garland and seated on a throne in royal military attire. This
was a significant and challenging undertaking as public demands for democracy
escalated, compelling the government to foster national pride and reverence
for the Chakri Dynasty through this monumental statue celebrating Bangkok9s
establishment. Feroci sculpted the colossal figure, standing 4.6 meters tall from
base to apex, three times larger than life. Upon completion, a mold was created
and shipped to Milan for bronze casting. The Monument Statue of King Phra
Phuttha Yodfa Chulalok exemplified the seamless fusion of Siamese and Italian
design and sculpting prowess. However, shortly after the bridge9s inauguration
and the statue9s unveiling by King Prajadhipok, the Siamese Revolution of 1932
transpired on June 24, transforming the nation from an absolute monarchy to a
constitutional monarchy and ushering in a democratic system of governance.
The 1932 Siamese Revolution impacted the notion of
?
(1873 - 1956)
FLOWERS AND FRUITS
Around King Rama VI period
Oil on canvas
85 X 104.5 cm
