[CHULALONGKORN

Chulalongkorn was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri. His reign was characterised by the modernisation of Siam, governmental and social reforms, and territorial concessions to the British and French. As Siam was surrounded by European colonies, Chulalongkorn, through his policies and acts, ensured the independence of Siam. All his reforms were dedicated to ensuring Siam's independence given the increasing encroachment of Western powers, so that Chulalongkorn earned the epithet Phra Piya Maharat (the Great Beloved King).Brogi created his first studio in Corso Tintori, in Florence in 1864. He began traveling around Italy and later travelled to the Middle East in 1868 including Palestine, Egypt and Syria. Brogi was associated with the Photographic Society of Italy.This image was used in the Felix Potin set of Cigarette Cards.