November 2010 - National Museum Volunteers

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With his back towards Thonburi, the capital of King Taksin, the image of King Rama I (1736-1809) looks over his new capital city 150 years. It was hoped that the project would revive the glory and popularity of the absolute monarchy. The bronze statue was designed by Prince Naris Runnuwattiwong and molded by the Italian sculptor, Corrado Feroci (Silpa Bhirasri) Prince Naris was accomplished in politics, military, art and literature. He was highly regarded as ‘the great teacher’ and he made a huge impact on the history of Thai art. He was the chief designer and supervisor of many important art projects. Corrado Feroci was thirty-one when he left Florence in 1923 for Bangkok. He had already established himself as a popular sculptor of war memorials and heroic statues. In Bangkok he worked as the official artist for King Rama VI and gained the recognition and friendship of Prince Naris. He continued to serve during the Seventh Reign and under the various military governments in the constitutional era. 28 . Newsletter National Museum Volunteers . November 2010 .
The bronze statue of King Rama I was Corrado Feroci’s first major commission. The image was cast in Italy and then installed at the foot of the newly built Memorial Bridge. It was unveiled on 6 April 1932 The King looks splendid sitting on a beautiful highly decorated throne. He has all the imagery of a deva-raja. Across his lap is a ceremonial sword. He is dressed in the ancient attire of royal helmet, embroidered gown and pointed slippers. The statue is huge, 4.75 metres in height and is unmovable. Despite the success of the monument, the absolute rule of the Chakri dynasty ended bloodlessly, eleven weeks after the unveiling of the monument. The Monument of King Vajiravuth (Rama VI) commissioned by the government of Field Marshal Phibun Songkhram (December 1938-July 1944) Although Rama VI is better known for his literacy works, the portrayal is of a military man. This was in line with the Phibun government’s interpretation and preference. However unlike most other nationalist monuments the statue is extremely realistic. The sculptor did not idealize the King’s physique with extravagant sensation or over powering action. The image looks modern and real . November 2010 . Newsletter National Museum Volunteers . 29
Page 1 and 2: NEWS Bangkok No. 11 November 2010 N
Page 3 and 4: IN THIS ISSUE CONTENTS 2 Calendar &
Page 5 and 6: MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Mem
Page 7 and 8: FROM THE LIBRARY Call for volunteer
Page 9 and 10: AT HOME At Home with Ajahn Bill Tha
Page 11 and 12: INTRODUCTORY LECTURE SERIES 65 th I
Page 13 and 14: RECENT HAPPENINGS EXCURSION TO PAK
Page 15 and 16: And he will be doing it in a very s
Page 17 and 18: Höhle geschafft und wir wurden mit
Page 19 and 20: Hongsa confronted at vase sipping e
Page 21 and 22: ence, England’s Ian Glover, a fac
Page 23 and 24: lady in the world, insured for 5.2
Page 25 and 26: The Dahlem used to be called the Mu
Page 27 and 28: This statue of King Mongkut is now
Page 29: longest reign of a Chakri monarch.
Page 33 and 34: Monument of King Taksin, (1953) by
Page 35 and 36: EXCURSION NMV WEEKEND EXCURSION Chi
Page 37 and 38: EXCURSIONS POLICY Participating in
Page 39 and 40: NMV STEERING COMMITTEE Patron: MR C

November 2010 - National Museum Volunteers

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