During the reigns of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V [1868-1910]) and King Vajiravudh (Rama VI [1910-1925]), a number of talented Italian artists got the opportunity to demonstrate their Western forms of art in the kingdom, many examples of which can still be seen today.

Towards the end of the 19^th century and the early part of the 20^th century, many Italian artists were inspired by Siam's architecture, painting, and sculpture. To create unique artistic treasures, they blended the best of their Western techniques with the new found forms they discovered in the kingdom.

While there are several excellent examples of Italian architectural styles throughout Bangkok, one of the most famous is the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. Built during 1907-1915, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) personally chose Mario Tamagno, who moved to Thailand in 1900, to design the building.

Built in a neo-classical Western style, featuring a cross structure and domes reminiscent of Christian churches, the design nevertheless also managed to conform with traditional Siamese forms at a functional level, according to Dr Neungreudee Lohapon, a professor at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Arts. The interior hall is divided into two distinct areas, one covering the area facing the throne, and the other located behind it, which connected the building with another palace. Another interesting design feature is the windows, which allow for the high levels of humidity that are the norm in a tropical climate.

Attention to detail

Within the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall, Galileo Chini, a young Florentine artist, was given the opportunity to produce a number of outstanding Art Nouveau-style frescoes. Neungreudee said King Chulalongkorn chose Chini personally to carry out this work.

“It is thought that he [Chini] was chosen due to his renowned paintings produced for the annual Biennale di Venezia [Venice Biennale] exhibition in Italy,” she said.

Chini's frescoes depict the kings of the Chakri dynasty, stressing their devotion to their loyal subjects. King Phra Phutta Yot Fa Chulalok (Rama I [1737-1809]) is depicted returning from battle, King Monkut (Rama IV [1851-1868]) for his support towards different religions, while King Chulalongkorn is featured to demonstrate his bold decision to formally abolish slavery.

Chini's work is another impressive example of blending the artistic and aesthetic forms of the East and West. Neungreudee says Chini demonstrated an incredible level of attention to detail so that each figure was particularly realistic, providing an important form of historic evidence. On the central dome, Chini cleverly managed to feature some delicate European-style floral patterns and angels.

An angel located on a dome above the building's staircase was criticized, however, since the naked human form at that time was an uncommon phenomenon in the kingdom and the angel was featured in an area that also referred to Thai monarchs. Neugnreudee pointed out, however, that King Vajiravudh gave his approval to most of Chini's output, the exception being a Buddha image, which was subsequently amended.

Unlike Tamagno, Chini was committed to a 30-year contract, under which he exclusively produced work for public commission.

Tamagno proved to be a prolific architect in the kingdom and was responsible for designing Makawanrangsan Bridge (1900-1901), Phra Thinang Ampornsathan Throne Hall (1901-1905), as well as Royal Dusit Park's Phra Thinang Aphisekdusit (1902-1904). In 1910, he began work on Hualampong Railway Station, which was completed in 1916.