| Medium | : | Oleograph with embellishments |
|---|---|---|
| Height | : | 20 inch / 50.8 cm |
| Width | : | 14 inch / 35.6 cm |
| Surface | : | Paper |
| Style | : | Figurative Paintings |
| Dimension | : | W: 35.6 cm × H: 50.8 cm |
Raja Ravi Varma’s Mohini presents the enchanting figure seated gracefully on a flower-adorned swing amidst a lush, peaceful landscape. Her flowing costume, surrounded by delicate floral garlands, gives the composition a sense of movement and romantic charm. The soft greens, earthy tones and detailed embellishments create a richly decorative surface, while the serene expression of Mohini lends the work an intimate and timeless quality. The image beautifully combines mythological subject matter with Ravi Varma’s characteristic interest in graceful feminine beauty and naturalistic surroundings.
Raja Ravi Varma | Mohini | Oleograph with embellishments | 20 x 14 inches | Circa
Raja Ravi Varma’s Mohini is a graceful oleograph with embellishments depicting the enchanting Mohini in a richly atmospheric natural setting. Seated on a flower-decked swing, the figure is shown in a moment of effortless movement, her flowing costume spreading beautifully around her as the swing moves through the landscape. The delicate floral garlands suspended above and around the swing add to the sense of romance and celebration, while the distant hills, trees and small white animals create a tranquil pastoral setting.
The work is especially appealing for its decorative richness. The softly layered greens and earthy tones of the landscape provide a natural backdrop for Mohini’s elaborate golden-brown attire, while the embellishments bring additional texture and visual depth to the composition. Her poised expression and relaxed posture convey both elegance and quiet confidence. The image reflects the enduring appeal of Ravi Varma’s mythological and feminine subjects, in which classical Indian themes are presented with a strong sense of naturalism and theatrical beauty. As an oleograph, the work also belongs to the important history of the reproduction and circulation of Indian art, through which Ravi Varma’s imagery reached a much wider audience beyond the traditional art-viewing space.
Born : 29-04-1848, Died : 02-10-1906
Raja Ravi Varma was born into an aristocratic family in Kerala. Raja Ravi Varma was largely a self taught artist as European techniques go. But there is no denying that Raja Ravi Varma was a master at handling the oil medium and achieved a magical ease with European naturalism. While Raja Ravi Varma stood at the transitional stage between Indian painting tradition and the emergence of Salon artist well versed in European academic naturalism he reconciled the aesthetic principles of both in his style. He represented the Hindu mythological stories so loved by the Indian imagination, with an illusionistic flair that mirrored the society of his time.
According to art historians, Raja Ravi Varma’s dramatic history paintings influenced the pioneers of Indian cinema like Dadasaheb Phadke and Baburao Painter. Raja Ravi Varma excelled as a portrait painter as well as a painter of various other genres like history painting, painting of female figures and so on. He travelled through length and breadth of India seeking portrait and other commissions. He established a press with German technology so that inexpensive oleographs could be made to cater to a mass demand. So briskly did the prints sell that they left a deep impression on popular visual culture even to this day.His realistic portrayals and interpretations of religious and mythological figures captivated and fascinated the country. Ravi Varma’s works transcended painting; he was also a poet, scholar and a visionary far beyond his times.The country will always remember one of the greatest painters and artists of late 19th Century India who brought about a momentous change in the art of India.
If you’d prefer the artwork to arrive ready to hang, please get in touch with us to arrange framing and shipping at applicable charges.
Please note: Customs duties and import taxes may apply at your destination in accordance with your country’s regulations. Refer to our International Shipment document for guidance and support.
| Medium | |
|---|---|
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Surface | |
| Style |
