Published at the Ravi Varma Press, Malavli, Lonavla
by Raja Ravi Varma
chromolithograph
Vishnu is is seen here riding on his vahana (vehicle), the mythical bird Garuda with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. The blue skinned Vishnu carries two of his usual attributes, the disc (cakra) and conch (sankha) in his hands. His consorts both bejewelled wear saris and hold chauris (fly whisks) in their outstretched arms. Garuda is depicted mid-flight carrying the trio and holding a golden cobra firmly within its talons.
Ravi Varma occupies an important place in Indian art history. He developed a painting style that appropriated the illusionary techniques of European oil painting with traditional Indian subject matter. The popularity of Ravi Varma’s paintings gave him the idea to make oleographs that would be available to the general public, instead of only elite patrons. Oleographs, also called chromolithographs, are multi-colour art prints, stemming from the process of lithography.
These immensely popular chromolithographs from the Ravi Varma press quickly set a new iconographical standard for the traditional Indian heroes and deities. Often the figures were embellished with embroidered sequins and other decorative material, creating vibrant pulsating images.
Image Size (cms): 49.5 (H) x 34.5 (W)
Image Size (inches): 19.5 (H) x 13.6 (W)
Framed Size (cms): 62 (H) x 48.5 (W)
Framed Size (inches): 24.5 (H) x 19 (W)
