Abstract
Raja Ravi Varma was a true gem among Indian artists, the one who first introduced vibrant oil colours to the country. His contributions to Indian art are so immense that words can hardly do them justice. He revolutionised the way we use oil paints today by weaving together India’s rich cultural heritage with European artistic techniques, creating a unique style that left an indelible mark on Indian art history.
Born into the royal family of Travancore, Raja Ravi Varma was drawn to drawing and painting from a young age. His family saw his passion and nurtured it, giving him the freedom to explore his talent in fresh, innovative ways. Though he never travelled to Europe, he absorbed European techniques right here in India. A pivotal moment came when Theodore Jensen, a British painter, visited the Travancore court and shared his oil paintings and European materials with Varma. This encounter sparked something extraordinary.
Raja Ravi Varma became renowned for his distinctive approach, using European methods to bring Indian stories to life. He was particularly inspired by the European technique of chiaroscuro, mastered by artists who used light and shadow to create depth and drama. Varma adopted this technique to make his paintings feel vivid and lifelike, with light dancing across faces and fabrics, adding a sense of richness and dimension. Thanks to the influence of European artists, his work carried a bold, global flair while staying deeply rooted in Indian narratives.
Keywords: Raja Ravi Varma, Influence, Europe, Indian and European Artists, Indian culture, Main features
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