Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs was born on 28 April 1863 in the Grand Palace as the 62nd son of King Mongkut (Rama IV) and Chao Chom Manda Wat. He was elevated to the rank of Chao Fa (Prince) and later bestowed the title Somdet Phra Chao Borommawong Thoe Krom Phraya Narisara Nuvadtivongs during King Chulalongkorn’s reign (Rama V) in recognition of his extraordinary talents in administration, fine arts, literature, music, and performing arts.

Over his lifetime, he served in many important roles across four reigns — Kings Rama V, VI, VII, and VIII — including Minister of Public Works, Minister of the Royal Treasury, Minister of Defence, Commander of the Royal Navy, Vice President of the Royal Institute, and Regent during King Ananda Mahidol’s reign (King Rama VIII). He earned the trust of successive monarchs as an exceptional and loyal servant of the crown.

His literary works include poetry, essays, and correspondence with notable contemporaries such as Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, Phraya Anuman Rajadhon, and Phra Saraprasert, which remain invaluable resources on Thai language and customs. In music and dance, he composed traditional Thai pieces such as Sansoen Phra Barami, Khmer Sai Yok, Mahachai, and Tao Hoe, and revitalised royal theatre by adapting epic tales like Ramakien and Inao.

In fine arts, he left a profound legacy across all disciplines — painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts. Notable works include the mural paintings at Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, the design of the King Rama I Monument (Phra Phuttha Yodfa Chulalok Monument), the Earth Goddess Monument (Phra Mae Thorani), Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn), royal crematoriums, the Memorial Bridge layout, royal decorations, seals, fans, and traditional Thai motifs. He earned the title Chief Artist of Siam and was also known as Somdet Khru (the Grand Master) for his unparalleled contributions.

His works laid the foundation for modern Thai art and are celebrated as milestones in national culture, earning him recognition as Thailand’s first national artist and a figure who seamlessly integrated Thai and Western artistic traditions. This vision was most clearly expressed in the Memorial Bridge project during King Rama VII’s reign, commemorating Bangkok’s 150th anniversary in 1932. He designed the bridge’s plan as an arrow shape, with the head pointing towards Thonburi and the tail at Phra Nakhon, symbolising King Rama VII’s royal seal — an arrow — from his name Prajadhipok Sakdidej (dej meaning “arrow”). He also designed the King Rama I Monument as a seated figure in full regalia, holding a sword resting on his lap, which was later sculpted in bronze by Silpa Bhirasri. Together, these creations embodied his ability to merge modernity and tradition, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs passed away on 10 March 1947 at the age of 83, leaving behind a timeless legacy of artistic and cultural excellence.