Khrua In Khong

Khrua In Khong (Thai: ขรัวอินโข่ง), one of the most celebrated Thai artists, was active in the 1850s and 1860s during the reign of King Rama IV. He was a painter under the patronage of King Rama IV (Mongkut). Khrua In Khong and King Rama IV developed their friendship when they were in the monkhood during the reign of King Rama III. The king was very fond of him and became a patron to Khrua In Khong;[1] once the king ascended the throne, he frequently ordered Khrua In Khong to paint murals in numerous temples that he built or restored.

His style had been greatly influenced by Western painting, thus distinguishing it from other conventional Thai paintings. He is well known as the first artist to introduce linear perspective to Thai traditional art.[2][3][4]

The works of Khrua In Khong served under the king's desire to modernize Thailand in order to survive the Western colonialist aspiration. His best-known works are mural paintings in the ubosoth (chapel) of Wat Bowonniwet and Wat Borom Niwat.[5]

  1. ^ Hall, Rebecca S. (2018). "Painting History: Representing Chronicles in Nineteenth- and Twentieth-century Siam". The Journal of the Walters Art Museum. 73: 38. ISSN 1946-0988.
  2. ^ Antoinette, M., & Turner, C. (2014). Contemporary Asian Art and Exhibitions : Connectivities and World-Making. Retrieved September 22, 2016, from Australian National University: http://press.anu.edu.au?p=298341
  3. ^ Beek, S. V., & Invernizzi, L. (1999). The Arts of Thailand. Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
  4. ^ Editorial Department of Pajera Book. (2552). 30 Persons Who Changed Thai's History. (E. D. Book, Ed.) Pajera Book.
  5. ^ Thongmitr, W. (1979). Khrua In Khong's Western School of Thai Painting. The Ancient City Company Ltd.