Ambassadorial Audiences

ART

AMBASSADORIAL AUDIENCES

These paintings are presently in the Audience Hall of the Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. They depict four different occasions of audiences granted to Ambassadorial Delegations from Siam to foreign countries and from different countries to Siam. The paintings represent the beginning of diplomatic relations between Siam and the rest of the world, in the modern age. As I am working in this field, these paintings are especially important to me. Please note that the Siamese delegation kneel down to present their messages, which was and still is the Thai custom involving Royalty - ones head must always be lower than that of the kings and other members of the Royal Family. It might seem strange and akward even today, but to the Siamese and Thai people, it is the utmost respect that one can show our Royal Family.

..Click on the pictures for a detailed look..

	Ong Pra Visut Sunthorn, Ambassador in the reign of King Narai (of the Ayutthaya Period), in an audience with King Louis XIV at Versailles Oil on canvas, c. 1851 Artist: Jaques Edmond Leman Note: Ong Pra Visut Sunthorn was made Chao Praya Kosa Thibodi later on, and a descendant of his became King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty
	Praya Montri Surivong, Ambassador in the reign of HM King Monkut (Rama IV) in an audience with Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle Oil on canvas, c. 1857 Artist: Unknown
	The Reception of the Siamese Ambassadors at Fontainbleau Oil on canvas, c. 1856 Artist: Jean Marius Fouque
	The French Ambassador in the reign of Emperor Napoleon III in Audience with King Monkut (Rama VI) at Ananta Samakom Throne Hall, The Grand Palace Oil on canvas c. 1866-67 Artist: Unknown