Wat Thong Thamachat: Life of the Buddha - Great Departure

THAILAND, Bangkok; Bangkok period

Part of a set of murals painted in Wat Thong Thamachat during the rule of Rama III (reigned 1824–1851), this image shows Prince Siddhartha bidding a silent farewell to his wife and child before departing to seek enlightenment. A large red palace covered with detailed patterns is painted on the left. In the center of the palace, within a red, petal-shaped mandorla bordered by stylized flames, Prince Siddhartha is shown looking down at his wife and child. The prince and his wife are resplendent in gold garments that match the color of the flames. Below, a group of palace maids sleep peacefully in the courtyard. In the upper register, above a jagged band of patterning, the prince is shown leaving the palace, riding a white horse supported by heavenly beings. The green Sakra is on the right beside the horse, and Four-Armed Brahma follows behind, carrying an alms bowl and a chest containing a monastic robe. The bright, harmonious colors are typical of the art of the Bangkok period.