Raja Ravi Varma’s ‘Yashoda and Krishna’ Sets Record at ₹167.20 Crore

A 19th-century masterpiece, Yashoda and Krishna, by Raja Ravi Varma has created history by selling for ₹167.20 crore at the Spring Live Auction conducted by Saffronart. The sale marks the highest price ever fetched by an Indian artwork at auction.

Often hailed as the father of modern Indian art, Ravi Varma is renowned for blending European realism with Indian themes, especially mythology. His works played a crucial role in shaping how generations visualised Hindu deities.

A Pioneer Who Bridged Royalty and the Masses

Born in April 1848 in Kilimanoor into a family closely associated with the Travancore royal household, Varma initially painted for royalty and aristocrats. However, his vision extended far beyond elite patrons.

He is credited with producing over 7,000 paintings before his death in 1906 at the age of 58. His artistic inspiration drew from Indian literature, dance dramas, and mythology, which became central to his iconic style.

Defining the Face of Indian Mythology

Ravi Varma’s portrayals of deities such as Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Vishnu revolutionised Indian visual culture. By using human models and realistic techniques, he made divine figures more relatable and accessible to the public.

Democratizing Art Through Prints

In a landmark move to take art beyond royal courts, Varma established a lithographic press in 1894 in Bombay (now Mumbai). This allowed mass production of his paintings as affordable prints (oleographs), bringing religious and cultural imagery into ordinary households across India.

Legacy

The record-breaking sale of Yashoda and Krishna underscores the enduring appeal and cultural significance of Ravi Varma’s work, reaffirming his place as a transformative figure who bridged tradition and modernity in Indian art.