Krishna Shishtai
Raja Ravi Varma and Ravi Varma Press Malavli, Lonavala1930s
The Ganesh Shivaswamy Foundation
Bengaluru, India
KRISHNA SHISHTAI OR KRISHNA AS AN ENVOY: Krishna was requested by Dharmaputra to visit the Kauravas in an attempt to convince them against warring with the Pandavas. Krishna, as an envoy or emissary visits the Kauravas and tries to convince them on behalf of the Pandavas. However, Duryodhana ridicules him and even tries to take him captive. An infuriated Satyaki draws his sword to defend Krishna. Krishna restrains Satyaki and finally reveals his Vishwa-roopam or his Universal form.
This print from the Ravi Varma Press derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma depicts the dramatic scene of animosity between the Kauravas and Satyaki while Krishna, who is seated in the foreground restraining Satyaki’s aggression. This is a print from the painting by Raja Ravi Varma at the Jaganmohan Palace at Mysore.
- Title: Krishna Shishtai
- Creator: Raja Ravi Varma, Ravi Varma Press Malavli, Lonavala
- Date Created: 1930s
- Physical Dimensions: 70 x 50 cms
- Provenance: The Hemamalini and Ganesh Shivaswamy Collection, Bengaluru.
- Subject Keywords: Raja Ravi Varma, Krishna, Gigapixel
- Type: Chromolithograph
- Rights: The Ganesh Shivaswamy Foundation, Bengaluru.
- External Link: Raja Ravi Varma
- Creator's Biography: Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was a prolific Indian artist who is recognized for his resorting to the academic realistic style of painting. His portraits of English and Indian royalty and aristocracy were well received. His paintings on Hindu religious and mythological subjects and paintings from classical and literary sources were highly sought after even during his lifetime. He painted several copies of his works and this demand led to the suggestion to have his paintings printed in the form of oleographs. The Ravi Varma Fine Art Lithographic Press was established in Bombay (now Mumbai) and commenced operations in 1894. Many of Ravi Varma's paintings were printed as chromolithographs at this Press. These chromolithographs would have a tremendous impact on religion, society and aesthetics. They went on to democratize art leading to immortalize Ravi Varma in the minds of the people of the Indian subcontinent.
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