Raja Ravi Varma Painting Sets New Record for Indian Art
Raja Ravi Varma’s painting ‘Yashoda and Krishna’ sold
for a record-breaking Rs 167.20 crore at Saffronart’s Spring Live Auction, the
highest price ever for an Indian artwork at auction.The canvas depicts
Yashodhara milking a cow, with an infant Krishna standing behind her. The
oil-on-canvas is painted in Varma’s recognised realist style, with a
chiaroscuro technique that contrasts light and dark.Previously, MF Husain’s
1954 Untitled (Gram Yatra) held the Indian art auction record, selling for Rs
118 crore in March 2025.
Raja Ravi Varma
¨
Raja Ravi Varma
(1848–1906), born in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore (present-day
Kerala), was an Indian painter who blended Hindu mythological subjects with
European realist and naturalist styles.
¨ His works primarily
depict themes from the Puranas and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
¨ Famous Works: Damayanti
Talking to a Swan, Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta, Lady Adorning Her Hair,
Shantanu and Matsyagandha.
Features of His Work
¨
Among the first Indian
artists to blend Western techniques with Indian themes and styles.
¨
Departed from the earlier
dominance of Persian and Mughal artistic influences.
¨
One of the earliest
Indian painters to use oil painting techniques.
¨
Popularised art by
producing affordable lithographs for the masses.
¨
Known for realistic
portrayals of mythological figures and Indian royalty.
Recognition
¨
Awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind
Gold Medal in 1904 by Lord Curzon.
¨
Conferred the personal
title of “Raja” by Lord Curzon.
