Raja Ravi Varma's 'Yashoda and Krishna' Painting Fetches Record ₹167 Crore at Auction

Original: Raja Ravi Varma painting sells for record Rs 167 crore: How India’s most expensive artist made art for the masses

The Indian Express•Apr 2, 20264 min

In a Nutshell

Raja Ravi Varma's painting 'Yashoda and Krishna' sold for ₹167.20 crore (approximately $20.2 million USD) at Saffronart's Spring Live Auction, marking a historic moment as the highest-valued Indian artwork ever sold. Varma, known as the father of modern Indian art, made significant contributions by bringing art to the masses through prints.

Key Points

01Raja Ravi Varma's painting 'Yashoda and Krishna' sold for ₹167.20 crore, setting a record for Indian art.
02Varma is recognized as the father of modern Indian art, known for realistic portrayals of Indian deities.
03He opened a lithographic press in 1894 to make his art accessible to a wider audience.
04Varma's work combined European realism with Indian themes, influencing generations of artists.
05He created over 7,000 paintings, many depicting Indian mythology and culture.

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Full Summary

Raja Ravi Varma's painting 'Yashoda and Krishna' recently sold for ₹167.20 crore (approximately $20.2 million USD) at Saffronart's Spring Live Auction, making it the highest-valued Indian artwork ever sold at auction. Born in April 1848 in Kilimanoor, Kerala, Varma is often referred to as the father of modern Indian art due to his realistic portrayals of Indian gods and goddesses. He initially painted for royalty but aspired to democratize art by opening a lithographic press in 1894. This press allowed him to produce oleographs, making his works accessible to the masses. Varma's art, which combined European realism with Indian sensibilities, drew inspiration from Indian literature and mythology. His legacy includes over 7,000 paintings, and he is credited with defining the visual representations of many deities, significantly influencing Indian art and culture.

Key Figures

₹167.20 crore

Sale price of 'Yashoda and Krishna'

1848

Year Raja Ravi Varma was born

1894

Year Varma opened his lithographic press

7,000

Estimated number of paintings Varma created

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Why It Matters

The record sale of Varma's painting elevates the status of Indian art, encouraging investment and interest in the cultural heritage.

Who is affected

Art collectors, historians, and aspiring artists in India and globally.

What to know

Art enthusiasts and collectors should explore Indian art markets and consider investing in local artists.

FAQ

The sale of 'Yashoda and Krishna' for ₹167.20 crore highlights the growing recognition and value of Indian art on a global scale.

Varma combined European artistic techniques with Indian themes, making art more relatable and accessible, which inspired future generations of artists.

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