Getting started with the collection:
Idols and a Parasol from Siam
workshop of Bernard Picart, 1726
The figurines in this print represent Sommonacodom, an ancient Siamese name for the Buddha. Sommona refers to ascetic monks, and Comom comes from Gotama, the clan of the historical Buddha. The Siamese people showed Sommonacodom respect by praying and placing offerings before such statues. For Europeans, this was tantamount to idolatry. From early European travel accounts it emerges that their authors believed the Siamese considered Buddha to be a god.
- Artwork typeprint, boekillustratie
- Object numberRP-P-1911-3283
- Dimensionsheight 333 mm x width 218 mm
- Physical characteristicsets en gravure