Context:
The first true copy of the painting Indulekha by legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma will be unveiled on the occasion of his 176th birth anniversary celebrations.
Indulekha Painting:
- Indulekha – Protagonist of the 1st modern novel in Malayalam literature by O. Chandu Menon published in 1889
- Famous painting Reclining Lady by Ravi Varma was modelled on Indulekha.
- The oil painting of Indulekha is shown holding a letter.
- Exhibits meticulous attention to detail and symmetry, characteristic of Ravi Varma’s style.
Raja Ravi Varma:
- One of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art.
- Born in – Erstwhile princely state of Travancore in Kerala.
- Theme of paintings – Revolve mainly around the Puranas and the great Indian epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Famous works – Damayanti Talking to a Swan, Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta, Lady Adorning Her Hair, and Shantanu and Matsyagandha.
- Features of his work –
- One of the first Indian to use Western techniques and to adapt them to Indian subjects, styles, and themes.
- Earlier, paintings of Indian artists were greatly influenced by the Persian and Mughal schools.
- One of the first Indian artists to use oil paints and
- He was notable for making affordable lithographs of his paintings available to the public
- His paintings often depicted mythological characters and Indian royalty in a realistic style, challenging traditional artistic norms.
- Recognition – In 1904, Viceroy Lord Curzon, awarded him the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal.
- The title ‘Raja’ was conferred as a personal title by Lord Curzon.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) Bundi School
(b) Jaipur School
(c) Kangra School
(d) Kishangarh School
Answer: (d)
