Published at the Ravi Varma Press, Malavli, Lonavla
by Raja Ravi Varma
chromolithograph with fabric appliqué
King Shantanu’s encounter with Satyavati, also known as Matsyagandha, marks a pivotal episode in the Mahabharata, skilfully captured by Raja Ravi Varma on oil, later published as an oleograph. While hunting along the Ganga’s banks, Shantanu is drawn by the intoxicating scent of musk and discovers its source in Satyavati, a fisherwoman raised by a fisherman who found her as an infant inside a fish. Enchanted by her beauty, Shantanu desires to marry her, but Satyavati agrees only on the condition that her future children inherit the throne, denying Shantanu’s son Devavrata (later Bhishma) his rightful claim. Initially hesitant, Shantanu consents after Devavrata vows lifelong celibacy to uphold his father’s happiness. The union results in two sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya, setting the stage for the Mahabharata’s complex lineage and conflicts. Varma’s artwork portrays this moment of enchantment, with Shantanu in regal attire, captivated by Satyavati’s charm, as she stands poised with an oar, embodying her fisherwoman origins and fateful allure.
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)
