Raja Ravi Varma estate plans to release high-quality prints for collectors

The Raja Ravi Varma Temple of Arts is set to launch high-quality reproductions of selected works by the renowned Indian painter by year's end. Ramavarma Thampuran K R, a descendant of the artist and chairman of the aforementioned organizations, expressed his dismay over the proliferation of low-quality prints available in the market.

Many of these reproductions fail to accurately replicate the original color combinations in Raja Ravi Varma's paintings. The foundation aims to address this issue by releasing superior quality prints, which will help in preserving the artist's legacy and ensuring collectors have access to authentic copies. Recently, Serum Institute of India's managing director, Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla, acquired Raja Ravi Varma's painting Yashoda and Krishna for a record-breaking Rs 167.20 crore at Saffronart's Spring Live Auction in Mumbai.

Thampuran, who visited Pune for the occasion, highlighted the significance of this auction, stating it brings Raja Ravi Varma's paintings to public attention and raises awareness of his immense contribution to Indian art and cultural history. These auctions also showcase lesser-known works that have remained hidden in private collections, including those that may be misidentified as originals by their owners.

Thampuran emphasized that auction results serve as proof of growing appreciation for Indian art and Raja Ravi Varma's particular artistic merit. As a direct descendant of the legendary artist, he believes these record-breaking sales inspire further interest in safeguarding, researching, and documenting Raja Ravi Varma's enduring legacy for future generations.

The foundation's high-quality prints will be showcased at the exhibition "India in Image: Two Masters, a Shared Canvas" held at the RK Laxman Museum, Balewadi, on August 22 and 23 from 5.30 pm to 9 pm.