Vintage Raja Ravi Varma Shiva Parivar Chromolithograph | Maharashtra

This rare vintage Ravi Varma chromolithograph depicts Shiva Parivar, with Shiva, Parvati and young Ganesha seated together in a quiet moment of familial companionship. Nandi rests faithfully in the foreground, completing the familiar devotional composition. The scene has the warmth and familiarity of imagery that became deeply embedded in Indian homes and devotional spaces through the widespread circulation of Ravi Varma's prints.

Created in the early 20th century, the oleograph carries the gentle signs of age that come with its history. The surface retains the character of an original period print, with natural ageing that reflects its journey through time rather than the uniform appearance of a modern reproduction.

Adding to its individuality is the hand embellishment applied by its original owner. The subtle addition of decorative work brings texture to the printed image and reflects the personal ways in which devotional prints were often adapted, enhanced and cared for by the families who lived with them.

The artwork remains housed in its original wooden frame, which carries its own natural signs of age while remaining sturdy. Together, the original print, hand embellishment and period frame preserve the character of an object that has been used, displayed and cared for over generations.

As a vintage Ravi Varma chromolithograph, the piece also forms part of the history of Indian print culture. Ravi Varma's devotional imagery, reproduced through chromolithography and oleography, helped bring sophisticated representations of Hindu deities into homes across India and shaped the visual language of popular Indian devotional art.

Details

Artist: Raja Ravi Varma
Subject: Shiva Parivar
Figures: Shiva, Parvati, young Ganesha and Nandi
Tradition: Indian devotional art
Technique: Chromolithograph / oleograph
Period: Early 20th Century
Dimensions: L15 × H11 in
Frame: Original vintage wooden frame
Embellishment: Hand embellishment added by the original owner
Condition: Vintage condition with natural signs of age; original frame remains sturdy
Origin: Maharashtra, India
Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.