Wat Muang, Bang Pahan District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya: Traditional Thai Paintings by Royal Artisans outside the Capital Area during the Reign of King Rama V

Abstract

            The mural paintings of Wat Muang, Bang Pahan district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya were created during the reign of King Rama V, when mainstream paintings by royal artisans acquired Western-style realism. However, the mural paintings of Wat Muang also sustained characteristics associated with Thai  traditional painting style of the early Rattanakosin era. This study examined the mural paintings of Wat Muang to understand the origins and inspirations of the artists.

             Art history research methodology was used to explore two main areas: 1) stories and presentation styles: the Wat Muang mural paintings depict stories from Buddhist scriptures following early idealized Buddhist scripture paintings outmoded among royal artisans in the capital area, such as the placement of the Trailokya mural painting behind a Buddha statue, the temptation of Mara before a Buddha statue, and allegory and biography of Buddha on the lateral walls of a Buddha statue; and 2) techniques and styles: the Wat Muang mural paintings employed techniques and methods found in early Thai traditional painting combined with Western techniques such as perspective. They also revealed compositions found in other artworks in the capital, indicating artistic influence on the creators.

            Narrative and pictorial techniques expressed in the Wat Muang mural paintings exemplify traditional Thai painting outside the capital area during the reign of King Rama as influenced by artworks from the capital.