In Ravi Varma’s frames, India learned to see itself

What Happened

Ravi Varma, a 19th-century Indian painter, revolutionized art by blending Western oil painting techniques with Indian themes. Self-taught under European painter Theodore Jansen, Varma created realistic portraits and mythological works. His oleographic prints reached homes across India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. His naturalistic depictions of Hindu deities provided worship access to lower castes excluded from temples, promoting egalitarian nationalism.

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