Professor Silpa Phirasri (Corrado Ferado) was a truly remarkable and unforgettable fully dessrving the sobriquet given him by his adopted land "THE FATHER OF MODERN ART IN THAILAND" He was born in Florence, Italy in 1892 and art at the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence, after graduating in1914 he became aprofessor at the Academy and taught there until 1923 then came to Thailand at the invitation of the Royal Siam Government. He was appointed asculptor of the Royal Fine Arts Department in 1924. He founded the School of Fine Arts in 1933 and the Umiversity of Fine Arts (Silpakorn Univetsity) in 1943. He was aprofessor and dean of Faculty of Painting and Sculpture fron 1943 until his death in 1962. After the World War II Professor Feroci changed sid name to SILPA BHIRASRI and became a Thai citizen.          Among his many work of art, some of his best known are his statues of King Pra Buddha Yod Fah (king Rama I) King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI)< King Taksin Maharaj, Tao Suranaree, and Prince Narisaranuwadtiwongse. His writing include many books nad articles on ancient and modern art in Thailand as well as on general art history, aesthetic and theory of art. Professor Silpa Bhirasri will be remembered for his devotion and contribution to art in Thailand. He was held in respect, reverence, almost by his students who learned from him something of the discipline and dedication which underlies all art. They learned at the same tine that without the truly human element, the love and passion for life and for people there can be no art. His influence upon Thailand is profound and premanent. PROFESSOR SILPA BHIRASRI (CORRADO FEROCI) 1892 : 1907 - 1917 : 1914 - 1923 : 1927 - 1930 : 1930 : 1933 : 1938 : 1943 : 1944 : 1949 : Born in Santa Giovani, Florence, Itaiy on the 15th of September. Studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence, Professor at the Adademy of Fine Arts of Florence. Worked on satatute of King Phar Buddha Yfd Fah (King Rama I). Commanded to look after the bronze cast of the statue in Milan, Italy. Founded the School of Fine Arts, Becane a teacher and administrater of the school. Taught art, art history, styles of art, etc. Graduation of the First group of students of the School of Fine Arts. Took a ninemonth leave and visited his homeland in Italy. Prime Minister H.E. Field Marshal P.Pibulsonggram visited the School of Fine Arts and proposed to the Council of Ministers to raise the status of the School of Fine Arts the status of university. He was entrusted to establish the University of Fine Arts (Silpakorn University). Became a Professor and Dean of Faculty of Painting and Faculty of Sculpture. Taught art, art history, styles of art, aesthetic, art criticism, etc. Professor Feroci beame a Thai xitizrn and changed his name to SILPA BHIRASRI. Faced with severe economic problem of post World War II period. Left Bangkok for Italy and considered to resign. He returned to worlk after the Thai government approved the new scale of salary. Organized the 1st National Exhibition of Art.