Raja ravi varma is known as “the painter amongst Princes, the prince among painters” Born in an aristocratic family of Travancore, Ravi varma was a child prodigy, his inherent talent was recoganised very eary in childhood and he received the patronage of the King Ailyam Thirunal of Travancore.
Raja Ravi varma (1848 – 1906) is famous for his paintings based on Indian mythology & epics. He was was born in Kilimanoor Palace as the son of Umamba Thampuratti and Neelakandan Bhattathiripad. Even at the young age his talent was spotted by his uncle Raja Raja Varma, (Ravi Varma used to draw on the walls) and gave him initial training in painting. Later he learnt water colour painting from the palace artist Rama Swamy Naidu. He learnt oil painting from the British artist Theodor Jenson.
Most of Ravi Varma’s paintings are based on Hindu epic stories and characters. Raja Ravi Varma came to widespread acclaim after he won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873. He travelled throughout India in search of subjects
Raja Ravi Varma was a great artist who brought Indian painting to the attention of the larger world. His magnificent paintings shine still in their undying glory. There is no doubt that they will continue to do so in the coming centuries, triumphing over the rigorous test of time. Ravi Varma added a new chapter of his own to the history of painting. He held an unparalleled place in his own age. Ravi Varma’s equal is Ravi Varma alone.
