Essays on Art, Philosophy, and the Human Condition
Why Is Raja Ravi Varma’s Art So Valuable Today? (Daily.Jstor)
Summary: In April, a painting by Raja Ravi Varma, Yashoda and Krishna, sold for 1.67 billion rupees ($17.9 million), becoming the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold at auction and surpassing MF Husain’s previous record of $13.8 million. The sale is noteworthy because the work is painted in a predominantly Western-influenced style and depicts an overtly religious subject, in a market where modernist works have long dominated. Varma, born in 1848 into the royal family of Travancore, was the first Indian artist to paint Indian subjects in a Western style and became a household name through his theatrical interpretations of Hindu mythology. His paintings and oleographs, produced by his own printing press, came to define Hindu religious iconography in India, and scholars credit him as the founder of the ‘God poster industry.’ The record-breaking sale raises the question of why now, with the article suggesting it may reflect the changing political landscape in India, where Hindutva politics has gained influence in recent years.
Why it matters: The high-value sale of his painting in 2026 may reflect the changing political landscape in India, where Hindutva politics has gained influence in recent years.
"The high-value sale of his painting in 2026 may reflect the changing political landscape in India, where Hindutva politics has gained influence in recent years. After all, history repeats itself, and the popularity of historical art can, too." — DAILY.JSTOR
Date: September 03, 2026 09:42 AM ET
URL: https://daily.jstor.org/why-is-raja-ravi-varmas-art-so-valuable-today/
Generated Analysis Tone: Positive (50%)
Source Registry Score: 10.0/10 — High
Generated text and tone describe the analysis; the source registry score is not a factual truth rating.Post ID: 1674e640