Vintage Shesh Sai Chromolithograph | Raja Ravi Varma | Vishnu on Ananta

This rare vintage Shesh Sai chromolithograph after Raja Ravi Varma depicts Lord Vishnu reclining upon Ananta (Shesha), the seven-hooded cosmic serpent, with Goddess Lakshmi seated near his feet. The composition is a striking example of the visual tradition associated with Ravi Varma's mythological prints, which combined European academic realism with subjects drawn from Hindu mythology and devotional traditions. Ravi Varma's chromolithographic prints played an important role in bringing such imagery into homes and devotional spaces across India.

Vishnu is shown with his traditional attributes, including the padma (lotus) and shankha (conch shell), while Ananta's multiple hoods rise behind him to form a powerful protective canopy. Lakshmi is positioned beside Vishnu, reinforcing the familiar devotional association of Vishnu and Lakshmi. The composition also includes attendant figures, including a winged Garuda and a figure identified as Hanuman, recognisable through the characteristic curled tail.

The subject belongs to the wider Sheshashayi Vishnu / Shesh Narayana tradition, depicting Vishnu reclining upon the cosmic serpent Ananta. The imagery is associated with Vishnu's cosmic repose and the mythological cycle of creation. Related Ravi Varma prints of Vishnu reclining on Ananta are documented in museum and historical collections, including an oleographic example identified as Seshanarayana.

Chromolithography, also known as colour lithography and closely associated with the oleographic print tradition of the period, allowed richly coloured versions of paintings and mythological compositions to be reproduced and circulated widely. Ravi Varma's press was central to this development, helping establish a new visual language for Indian devotional and popular print culture. The Met's collection documents numerous Ravi Varma chromolithographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Presented in its original vintage frame, this print is both a devotional image and a historical example of India's early mass-produced print culture. Its combination of Ravi Varma's mythological imagery, detailed chromolithographic printing and period presentation makes it a compelling collectible for those interested in Raja Ravi Varma, Indian devotional prints, Hindu religious art and early Indian print culture.

Details

• Object: Vintage Shesh Sai / Shesh Narayana Chromolithograph
• Artist / Visual Tradition: Raja Ravi Varma
• Subject: Lord Vishnu reclining on Ananta (Shesha) with Goddess Lakshmi
• Attendant Figures: Garuda and a figure identified as Hanuman
• Medium: Vintage Chromolithograph / Oleographic Print
• Tradition: Indian devotional and mythological print art
• Original Frame: Vintage frame
• Dimensions including frame: H 15 × L 11 in
• Condition: Vintage with natural age-related characteristics
• Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.