Raja Ravi Varma
1848–1906 · Indian · 27 artworks
AcademicismRealismOil PaintingMythological DepictionPortraitureTheatrical Composition
artist bio
Raja Ravi Varma was an Indian painter celebrated for his realistic portrayals of Indian gods, goddesses, and mythological characters. He is considered one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art, blending European academic techniques with Indian subjects and aesthetics, making art accessible to a wider audience through lithographic reproductions.
what you'll learn
Studying Raja Ravi Varma's work allows students to understand the fusion of Western academic painting techniques with Indian subject matter. Students can learn about realistic figure drawing, composition, and the use of light and shadow to create dramatic and narrative paintings.
related: William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Ernest Meissonier
27 artworks
Dhruv Narayan
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Woman Holding a Fruit
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Galaxy of Musicians
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There Comes Papa
1893
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Kadambari
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Sri Krishna, as a young child with foster mother Yasoda
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Malabar Lady
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The Milkmaid
1904
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Maharaja Fateh Singh
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Gypsies
1893
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In Contemplation
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Mohini and Rugmangada to kill his own son Raja Ravi Varma
1899
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The Maharashtrian Lady
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Dreaming Shakuntala
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Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth
1906
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Swan messenger
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Shakuntala looking back to glimpse Dushyanta
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Painting of the Goddess Saraswati
1896
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Sir T. Madhava Rao
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Mrs. Ramanadha Rao
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Menaka the nymph tempting the yogi
1900
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Yasoda Adorning Krishna
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Dattatreya
1910
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Hansa Damayanthi
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Jatayu Vadham
1895
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Harischandra in Distress, having lost his kingdom and all the wealth parting with his only son in an auction
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Krishna meets parents
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