Italian artist Galileo Chini honored with new foundation

A new cultural organization, the Galileo Chini Foundation, was officially launched on April 2 at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC).

The foundation aims to support and develop Thai artists across all disciplines, celebrating the enduring legacy of Galileo Chini, the Italian Art Nouveau master whose work significantly shaped Thailand’s artistic heritage.

The exhibition showcases the work of Galileo Chini. // Photo courtesy of Galileo Chini Foundation

Galileo Chini (1873-1956), a leading figure in Italy’s Liberty style movement, was renowned as a painter, ceramicist, set designer, and architect.

Marco Gatti (left) and Paolo Piazzadi (right) at the event. // Photo courtesy of Galileo Chini Foundation

His influence extended across Italy through his teaching of decorative arts in Florence and creation of notable works, from chapel frescoes to public building interiors.

A Royal Connection Forged in Art

Chini’s unique bond with Thailand began unexpectedly in 1907. During a visit to the Venice Biennale, King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn, 1853-1910) was captivated by the imaginative works of the young Florentine artist.

This royal admiration paved the way for a future commission.

Although King Rama V passed away before the project commenced, his successor, King Rama VI, honored the vision.

He formally invited Chini to Siam in 1911 to undertake the decoration of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – a defining project of Chini’s career.

Working within the grand Throne Hall, Chini masterfully blended Western Art Nouveau aesthetics with Thai mythological themes.

His ceiling and dome frescoes depict deities and scenes from Thai cosmology, rendered with European techniques but respecting local tr362830aditions.

This artistic fusion created a unique visual language that remains a landmark achievement in Thai art history.

Scenes from the opening exhibition of the Galileo Chini Foundation. // Photo courtesy of Galileo Chini Foundation

Foundation Launch Highlights Cultural Bridge

Professor Emeritus Dr. Wissanu Krea-ngam presided over the launch ceremony. In his keynote address, “The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Cultural Heritage, and Galileo Chini,” he emphasized Siam’s strategic use of art and diplomacy during its modernization and Chini’s role within that historical context.

Italian sculptor Emanuele de Reggi, an advisor to the foundation, outlined the organization’s mission.

He also paid tribute to Paola Polidori Chini, the artist’s granddaughter, whose dedication was crucial in establishing the foundation.

National Artist Amrit Chusuwan, the foundation’s president, spoke about existing academic ties with the Chini family and the foundation’s commitment to nurturing emerging Thai talent.

An accompanying exhibition at the launch featured rare items from Chini’s life, including personal belongings and art tools, alongside contemporary Thai artworks inspired by his legacy, contributed by institutions like Silpakorn University.

Beyond his work in Thailand, Chini was also celebrated for his contributions to theatre, notably designing sets for the world premieres of Puccini’s operas Turandot (1926) and Gianni Schicchi (1919).

Furniture pieces featured in the exhibition. // Photo by Veena Thoopkrajae

Chini’s importance continues to be recognized, as seen in his inclusion in the 2024 exhibition “200 Years Journey Through Thai Modern Art History” at the National Museum and Art Gallery, placing his contributions firmly within the narrative of Thai art’s evolution.

The newly established Galileo Chini Foundation now stands ready to build upon this rich history, fostering a new generation of Thai artists inspired by a unique Thai-Italian artistic dialogue.