Arjun And Subhadra

Raja Ravi Varma’s Arjun and Subhadra beautifully illustrates the tender moment between the warrior prince Arjun and Subhadra, Krishna’s sister. The painting blends romance with nobility, showing Arjun’s admiration and Subhadra’s gentle grace. It captures the union of love and destiny that later plays a pivotal role in the Mahabharata.

In the late 19th century, oleographs - also called chromolithographs - became a revolutionary bridge between fine art and the public. Leading this transformation was Raja Ravi Varma, whose vision brought mythological gods, goddesses, and epic scenes into the homes of millions. To make his paintings accessible beyond the wealthy elite, Ravi Varma established the Ravi Varma Press in 1894 at Ghatkopar, later moved to Lonavala, pioneering high-quality colour lithography in India.

Each oleograph was created by transferring the image onto lithographic stones or metal plates, layering one colour at a time, and often enhancing details with fine handwork. This labour-intensive process, requiring master artisans and months of precision, gave the prints a luminous depth. Ravi Varma’s lithographs not only preserved his iconic depictions of characters from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, but also shaped the popular visual culture of India for generations.

Today, surviving originals are rare - cherished as both works of art and cultural treasures. They stand as vivid storytellers of India’s heritage, where pigment meets poetry, and the genius of Raja Ravi Varma continues to inspire.