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Title Monarch of murals
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Summary In this special publication of the Bangkok Post to mark HM the King's 84th birthday anniversary, "Monarch of Murals" tells of his special affinity with the chapel, its history, the King's specific ideas on both the contents and styles of the mural paintings he had waited 60 years to materialise, his close guidance to a team of artists, and his determination to make the murals at the royal chapel not only an artistic and cultural heritage, but also accurate historical records. The eight panels of murals in the chapel tell of its construction during the reign of King Rama IV, King Mongkut, and how it has served subsequent monarchs as well as depicts life in old Siam in their times. The last two panels are of special importance because they tell of significant events during the present reign. They include: the King's first official trip home, the historical visit to Sampeng or China Town, the coronation ceremony, the royal ordination, the ploughing ceremony, the reception for the royal white elephant, the royal barge procession, the royal land procession, Bangkok's bicentennial anniversary celebrations, the 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations of HM the King's accession to the throne, the King's philosophy in sufficiency economy, and his upcountry visits to help people in need. The murals depict two-dimensional, life-like images of people in the Thai traditional bird's-eye perspective, and with an emphasis on factual accuracy. It is a departure from the classical style, but still embodies the conventional elements of Thai traditional mural painting. The royal style underscores HM the King's wisdom which Thailand should heed. In the interconnected, globalised world, it pays to combine the old and the new to strike a balance. For the country can only move forward securely if it retains its cultural confidence. (Text form Preface page)

Sources :
Sanitsuda Ekachai, Usnisa Sukhsvasti. Monarch of murals. Bangkok : The Post Publishing Public Company Limited,c2011.