By Salar Jung Museum
A painting by Raja Ravi Varma (1848 - 1906 A.D)
Stolen Interview (1848/1906) by Raja Ravi VarmaSalar Jung Museum
This painting on canvas by Raja Ravi Varma, represents lovers standing beside a pillar. The woman holds a rose and plucks petals while the man rests the cheek on his left hand anxiously looking towards her.
Let's try to decipher their thoughts!
Saying it with a flower...
"We have waited together..."
'Stolen Interview'
- a hushed moment between lovers!
The soft glow of love on the woman's face...
It's as if she's saying, "I can't do what you say... please understand..."
The besotted lover can't take his eyes off her!
Notice the details
Her coy beauty, wearing a string of pearls, jhumkis (ear-jewellery) and the dark zari bordered drape as enhancements!
Can you sense an anticipation there?
"Can I leave now...? Someone is coming this way!"
"I will meet you again tomorrow... maybe when you come to the mango grove behind the mansion!"
Raja Ravi Varma, India's prolific 19th century fusion painter from Travancore, remains a celebrated artist, combining European techniques and Indian styles. His paintings and prints found a place in people's lives. He lives on through his lithographs and exemplary artworks.
Text and Curation- Soma Ghosh
Photography - M. Krishnamurthy
Special Thanks - Dr. A Nagender Reddy
