ARJUN SUBHADRA
Lithograph on Paper
Circa
1900
Size (cms)
35.5 X 50.5
Artist
Raja Ravi Varma - Active
Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) was a celebrated Indian painter known for blending European academic art techniques with Indian subjects, making classical Indian art accessible to the masses. Born into an aristocratic family in Kerala, Varma mastered oil painting and is renowned for his depictions of scenes from Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. He often portrayed Indian gods, goddesses, and historical figures with lifelike realism, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian aesthetics and the techniques of Western realism. His works not only influenced Indian art but also popularized mythological characters across the country, partly due to his pioneering efforts in lithography, which made his paintings widely available as prints.
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Publisher
Anant Shivaji Desai
Printer
Ravi Varma Press, Karla - Lonavla.- Active
More Info
The lithograph Arjun Subhadra by Raja Ravi Varma captures a poignant moment between Arjuna and Subhadra. Arjuna, disguised as an ascetic, gently caresses Subhadra after revealing his true identity. The scene unfolds near a tranquil lake, adding to the serenity and secrecy of their meeting.
As part of his penance for breaking an agreement regarding Draupadi, Arjuna embarked on a pilgrimage, visiting sacred sites while maintaining his disguise. He eventually reached Dwaraka, where Lord Krishna ruled. Subhadra, Krishna’s sister, was promised to Duryodhana, but she secretly admired Arjuna. Understanding their love, Krishna devised a plan to unite them. Over time, Subhadra developed feelings for the disguised Arjuna, unaware of his true identity. When he finally revealed himself, she was overjoyed, and Krishna blessed their union.
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