Images

The c. 1588 'Armada Portrait' attributed to George Gower of Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603). The title of this painting derives from the window behind the queen which shows the defeat of the Spanish Armada in a storm in 1588. There...

The c. 1585 CE 'Ermine Portrait' attributed to William Segar of Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603 CE). This painting takes its name from the ermine climbing the queen's left arm which was a symbol of purity and royalty (the animal even...

The Fire Ordeal of Siyavush, Folio from a Shahnameh (Persian Book of Kings) of Ferdowsi (935–1020 CE) Iran, 1482 CE

"Rustam Discoursing with Isfandiyar", Folio from a Shahnameh (Persian Book of Kings) Author: Ferdowsi Calligrapher: al-Mausili Made in Iran, Shiraz, c. 1303–57 CE

The outer walls of Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) have 178 mural panels painted during the reign of Rama I (r. 1782-1809 CE). Photo taken 2017 CE.

The current king of Thailand is His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X (r. 2016-present) who is the first king in 69 years after succeeding his father Rama IX (1927-2016 CE).

One of the many mythical creatures and gods that the Thai people believe guard temples in the Grand Place Complex, Bangkok, Thailand. Photo taken 2019 CE.

Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Bangkok, Thailand viewed from the outer court of the Grand Palace, just inside the Wisetchaisi Gate. Photo shows the white perimeter wall. Wat Phra Kaew was built in 1784 CE to house the figurine...

Temple of Emerald Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand. In Thai it is called Wat Phra Kaew and this photo shows a golden chedi (stupa) outside the temple. Photo taken 2019 CE.

The Temple of Emerald Buddha, Bangkok, Thailand. In Thai it is called Wat Phra Kaew and it was built in 1784 CE. Photo taken in 2019 CE.