Unseen Original Portraits by Raja Ravi Varma

In the course of its research, Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation has come across several portraits painted by Raja Ravi Varma and his brother C. Rajaraja Varma, that have never been seen before or published in books.

“In 1887 a young man of ample proportions climbed on to a tricycle to pose for a famous painter. On his face was a look of doleful seriousness, and in the background were rolling hills and wiry trees. He wore English trousers and shiny shoes, with a dreary dark coat and pocket watch. Indeed, beside ear studs and an embroidered cap, there was no concession at all to the Western stereotype of Eastern opulence here.”
Manu S. Pillai 'False Allies: India's Maharajas in the Age of Ravi Varma'

Throughout the diary entries made by Raja Varma, from 1st January 1895 onwards, Prince Asvathi Tirunal Martanda Varma is respectfully referred to as His Highness. These entries have been made during the brothers' tour of North India with the Prince and his entourage and several short, but clear records clearly indicate their fondness and reverence of the man.

Born in 1852, Dr. Sir Bhalchandra played a pivotal role in the life of Ravi Varma during the years he spent working in Bombay. There are several entires on the brothers' association with the illustrious doctor who lived in Girgaum. 

Sunday 5th June 1898
"After coffee in the morning I walked to Dr Balachandra’s bungalow, a mile off and consulted him on the subject of our business—at 11.30 p.m. Gerhardt and myself left Karli for Bombay. Dr B.[Balachandra] also travelled by the same train."

This portrait of is signed 'Ravi Varma' and dated 1892. This clearly indicates that the brothers maintained a long friendship with the illustrious doctor who not only loaned them money, advised them on financial matters, and also treated both of them on several occasions. He was also one of the few people present at Ravi Varma's side during his final moments.

The brothers and Krishnan Tampan often travelled together. There are several instances and entries in the diary where the Raja and his brother's generosity are mentioned. The artist brothers regularly dined at Kollengode and were commissioned to do a portrait of the Kollengode Raja's mother.

In the image below Raja Ravi Varma (right) and C. Rajaraja Varma (standing) are seen with the Kollengode Raja Vasudevan, who commissioned the Varma brothers to paint his mother's portrait. 

A letter written in by Ravi Varma 1895 to S. Shangarasoobrayar Avaragal, Diwan of Travancore, for consideration of a government scheme for establishment of an Art Gallery in Trivandrum cites the example that even "the little state Bhavnagar, in Kathiawar' has a collection of paintings which Travancore does not possess". 

All of the paintings appearing in this story belong to Private Collections and have never before been documented or featured in books and publications.