Religious Sites and Objects from Siam, Bernard Picart (workshop of), 1726
etching, h 317mm × w 205mm More details
These prints afford insight into the European attraction to the rich Siamese architecture. The Portuguese used the term ‘pagoda’ for non-Christian, that is Hindu or Buddhist temples. Perhaps this explains the Chinese form that Jan Luyken gave to the religious building in the print at the upper left. The other two images feature the monastery of the ‘talapoins’, Siamese monks. Apparently certain images of Siam were copied in various travel books.
