Lady Musicians

Raja Ravi Varma’s painting, titled Galaxy of Musicians, portrays Indian women from diverse regions and traditions, each adorned in distinct attire and playing traditional instruments. From a Nair woman on the veena to a Muslim courtesan at the edge, the scene celebrates cultural variety while showing music as a shared bond. Blending Indian themes with European techniques, the artwork stands as a vivid tribute to India’s rich heritage and the unifying power of art.

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.