RAJA RAVI VARMA
RAJA RAVI VARMA
Labelled by art historian Geeta Kapur as the “father of modern Indian Art”, Raja Ravi Varma is best-known for his paintings and prints that exquisitely render Indian subjects using European techniques. Raja Ravi Varma is sometimes regarded as the first modern Indian artist due to his ability to reconcile Western aesthetics with Indian iconography.
arma was born into an aristocratic family in Travancore state. He showed an interest in drawing from an early age, and his uncle Raja Raja Varma, noticing his passion for drawing on the palace walls, gave him his first rudimentary lessons in painting.
The correspondence commenced with a letter dated 31 August 1895 and a year later 'Draupadi at the Court of Virat' was the first painting commissioned by the Maharaja Moolam Thirunal for the picture gallery.
Insights to Indian mythology: Through his paintings, he gave an insight of the famous mythological stories to those who were not fortunate enough to hear or read them. Varma's work helped in recounting the ancient Indian ideal of healthy beauty and enjoyment of life.
The painting 'Parsi Lady', now owned by the Kilimanoor Palace Trust, was the last painting (unfinished) by the legendary artist. He died on October 2, 1906, inside 'Chithrashala,' the artist's studio at Kilimanoor Palace, leaving the painting unfinished.
Varma's work helped in recounting the ancient Indian ideal of healthy beauty and enjoyment of life. Oil painting: He was one of the first Indian artists to use oil paints and to master the art of lithographic reproduction of his work.
Comments
Post a Comment