Rooting Traditions through RAVI VARMA’s Divine Beings
The tenth day of Dussehra marked as Vijayadashami, is an auspicious occasion that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It also marks a day of triumph, remembering the victory of the Pandavas over Kauravas, who attacked the kingdom of King Virat (Vishwaroop), according to the great war of Mahabharata.
Dussehra is also the season of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, worshipped in her many wondrous forms. Honouring this festive spirit, our Upcoming Auction is centered on portraits of divinity from the Ravi Varma Fine Art Lithographic Press.
After the “Painter Prince” established his German-made press in Lonavala, Maharashtra, images of gods, kings and historic figures began to circulate widely. Sold as chromolithographs and calendars these images eventually reached every household. For over a century, Raja Ravi Varma’s iconography has shaped the visual imagination of the Indian subcontinent. From calendar art to fine art, his gods and kings have held the attention of billions.
At a critical moment in the struggle for Independence, his prints also became symbols of nationalism, uniting people around a common cause: freedom from centuries of exploitation.
Ravi Varma’s greatest impact was to make bring divinity home. His gods could be easily transported, hung on a wall, and worshipped daily.
Three such prints are being featured in this 'Auction of the Day', on 30th October 2026
The first depicts the all-encompassing cosmic form of Vishnu, with infinite heads and arms representing the universe itself. It is an arresting image of the divine beyond human scale, and a fitting centerpiece for a season that celebrates the triumph of the eternal over the transient.
The second is a portrait of the goddess of knowledge and wisdom is set against a serene backdrop, playing the veena while a peacock gazes at her in rapt attention. Calm and luminous, the portrait honours the Shakti traditions of Dussehra, when Saraswati is revered alongside her divine sisters.
The third lot depicts Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, sits enthroned beside Draupadi, with his four brothers gathered around them. The composition celebrates the family whose victory in the Mahabharata is remembered on Vijayadashami.
OLEOGRAPHS FROM THE RAVI VARMA PRESS
Auction of the Day
30th October 2026
Online
5:00-7:00pm IST
COMING UP FOR SALE...
