Context

On the occasion of the artist’s 176th birth anniversary, the first authentic copy of Raja Ravi Varma’s painting “Indulekha” will be revealed at Kilimanoor Palace in Kerala.

Dedication Event Features Paintings of Kilimanoor Palace Members

• Besides this painting, other artworks will be dedicated during the event. These include a portrait of Pooyam Thirunal C.R. Kerala Varma, a late member of the Kilimanoor palace, painted by K. Ravi Varma, another member of the palace.
  • Additionally, paintings of C. Rajaraja Varma and Mangala Bayi, siblings of Raja Ravi Varma, will be dedicated. 
  • These artworks were created by artist Suresh.

About Raja Ravi Varma

Raja Ravi Varma was an Indian painter.

• Other names: Koil Thampuran of Kilimanoor, Ravi Varma Koil Thampuran
• Known as: The father of modern Indian art
• Place of Birth: He was Born in Kilimanoor Palace. It is now part of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Artistic Style: He was Known for blending Hindu mythology(  Puranas, Mahabharata and Ramayana ) with European painting styles.
• Artistic Achievements:
  • First Indian to use oil paints
  • Mastered lithographic reproduction of his work
• Some of Ravi Varma’s most renowned paintings are:
  • “Damayanti Talking to a Swan”
  • “Shakuntala Looking for Dushyanta”
  • “Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair”
  • “Shantanu and Matsyagandha”
• Recognition:
  • He built his reputation with the support of royals. 
    • Commissions: He got major commissions from Maharana Fateh Singh and Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
  • He won the Governor’s Gold Medal in 1873 for an exhibition of his paintings in Vienna.
  • Ravi Varma’s paintings were showcased at the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893.
    • He received two gold medals for his contributions.
  • Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal:
    • In 1904, Viceroy Lord Curzon, representing the King Emperor, awarded Raja Ravi Varma the prestigious Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal.
      • This marked the first time he was referred to as 
  • Crater on the planet Mercury: In 2013, in his honour, this crater was named 
• Contribution to Indian Art:
  • Pioneered a new movement by blending Western realism with Indian themes
  • Established a lithographic press in 1894 to mass-produce copies of his paintings

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Background of the Reclining Lady Painting

It is a 19th-century painting. The famous painting ‘Reclining Lady’ was made by Ravi Varma.

• This painting  is thought to have been based on Indulekha.
  • “Indulekha” is based on the character from the first modern Malayalam novel by O. Chandu Menon.
    • It was  published in 1889.
• The unveiling of the painting has generated excitement within the art community since its emergence into the public domain in 2022.

Details of the Reclining Lady Painting:

• The oil painting depicts Indulekha holding a letter addressed to her lover, Madhavan.
  • Madhavan was the hero of the novel, dated 1892. 
• Unique Feature: The painting is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and an exaggerated sense of symmetry.
• Recently, it was restored by Madhan S. from the Heritage Conservation and Research Academy.

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