| Raja Ravi Verma Born in Kilimanoor, a small fiefdom in the princely state of Travancore (modern
Kerala), Ravi Varma was educated at home, as was the tradition in aristocratic houses, and
received his first lesson in picture-making from his uncle, the artist Raja Raja Varma. At
thirteen he moved to Trivandrum where he was able to study the paintings in the royal
collection and the albums of European paintings. Here he was also able to observe visiting
European artists at work, but on the whole he was largely self-taught. In 1873 he
submitted two paintings to the Fine Arts Exhibition held in Madras, one of which (Nair
Lady Adorning Her.Hair) won the Governor's Gold Medal. From then on his success was
assured and in the following year he was again awarded the Governor's Gold Medal. His
themes were usually drawn from the Indian epics and he was the first Indian artist to
apply the traditions of Western academic realism to the representations of Indian
literature and mythology. At the same time, Varma was also a prolific portraitist and
received commissions from various princely families as well as Europeans resident in
India. RAJA RAVI VARMA (1848-1906) Born in Kilimanoor, a small fiefdox was educated at
home, as was thi picture-making from his uncle, the he was able to study the paintings he
was also able to observe visiting In 1873 he submitted two paintings Adorning Her.Hair)
won the Govei following year he was again awarde the Indian epics and he was the fii to
the representations of Indian lit portraitist and received commission, in the princely
state of Travancore (modern Kerala), Ravi Varma tradition in aristocratic houses, and
received his first lesson in rtist Raja Ma Varma. At thirteen he moved to Trivandrum where
. the royal collection and the albums of European paintings. Here -iropean artists at
work, but on the whole he was largely self-taught. ) the Fine Arts Exhibition held in
Madras, one of which (Nair Lady or's Gold Medal. From then on his success was assured and
in the the Governor's Gold Medal. His themes were usually drawn from i Indian artist to
apply the traditions of Western academic realism .ature and mythology. At the same time,
Varma was also a prolific portraitist and recieved omissions from various princely
families as well as Europeans resident in India. |
Raja Ravi Verma
Arjun & Subhadra
Oil on Canvas
29" x 20.5" |
