Raja Ravi Varma

Raja Ravi Varma
Raja Ravi Varma

Introduction


Date of Birth

26 Apr 1848

Zodiac sign

Taurus

Date of Death

02 Oct 1906

Age

58

Place of Birth

Kilimanoor, Travancore State | Present-day Kerala, India

Spouse(s)

Bhageerthi bayi

Year Marriage Registered

1866

Children

5 children

State Country of Birth

Travancore State | Present-day Kerala, India




Date of Birth

26 Apr 1848

Zodiac sign

Taurus

Date of Death

02 Oct 1906

Age

58

Place of Birth

Kilimanoor, Travancore State | Present-day Kerala, India

Spouse(s)

Bhageerthi bayi

Year Marriage Registered

1866

Children

5 children

State Country of Birth

Travancore State | Present-day Kerala, India



Exhibitions

Chronological Highlights

18 / 18

Raja Ravi Varma was born in 26 April 1848 in Kilimanoor Travancore State Present-day Kerala India

26 April 1848

Raja Ravi Varma was born in 26 April 1848 in Kilimanoor, Travancore State | Present-day Kerala, India.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist The Maharaja Of Travancore And His Younger Brother Welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville 3Rd Duke...
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). The Maharaja Of Travancore And His Younger Brother Welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, 3Rd Duke Of Buckingham And Chandos, Governor-General Of Madras (1875-80), On His Official Visit To Trivandrum In 1880. Oil on canvas, 1881 | Painting | FineArts | 00563190

1881

Public Auction High

In 2007, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of The Maharaja Of Travancore And His Younger Brother Welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, 3Rd Duke Of Buckingham And Chandos, Governor-General Of Madras (1875-80), On His Official Visit To Trivandrum In 1880 (1881), offered in the Islamic and Indian Art - Indian Art: Including Modern and Contemporary Indian and Pakistani Paintings by Bonhams, which concluded on 25 October 2007 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹4,87,58,256 ($1,233,137). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist Radha in the Moonlight Oil on canvas 1890 Painting FineArts 00643234
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Radha in the Moonlight. Oil on canvas, 1890 | Painting | FineArts | 00643234

1890

Public Auction High

In 2016, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Radha in the Moonlight (1890), offered in the The Fine Art Sale by Pundole, which concluded on 17 November 2016 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹20,00,00,000 ($2,945,048.34). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist Woman with Doves Oil on canvas 1894 Painting FineArts 00372940
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Woman with Doves. Oil on canvas, 1894 | Painting | FineArts | 00372940

1894

Public Auction High

In 1996, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Woman with Doves (1894), offered in the Islamic Works of Art and Indian Himalayan and South-East Asian Art by Sotheby's, which concluded on 25 April 1996 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹11,92,212 ($34,806). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist Yashoda and Krishna Oil on canvas circa 1890s Painting EconomicsArt 00872876
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda and Krishna. Oil on canvas, circa 1890s | Painting | EconomicsArt | 00872876

1895

Public Auction High

In 2026, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Yashoda and Krishna (1895), offered in the Spring Live Auction by Saffronart, which concluded on 01 April 2026 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹1,67,20,00,000 ($17,978,495). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist Portrait of a Lady in an Ivory Saree Oil on canvas 1897 Painting FineArts 00374204
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Portrait of a Lady in an Ivory Saree. Oil on canvas, 1897 | Painting | FineArts | 00374204

1897

Public Auction High

In 1997, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Portrait of a Lady in an Ivory Saree (1897), offered in the Indian Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 04 June 1997 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹23,41,400 ($65,448). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist Adaptation Of The Poem Veena Nu Mrug Oil on canvas 1898 Painting 00879834
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Adaptation Of The Poem 'Veena Nu Mrug'. Oil on canvas, 1898 | Painting | 00879834

1898

Public Auction High

In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Adaptation Of The Poem 'Veena Nu Mrug' (1898), offered in the Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary Art by Osian's, which concluded on 01 March 2006 at New Delhi, achieving a sale price of ₹2,87,50,000 ($648,253). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist Music Hath Charms Kadambari Oil on canvas c1900s Painting FineArts 00548025
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Music Hath Charms (Kadambari). Oil on canvas, c.1900s | Painting | FineArts | 00548025

1905

Public Auction High

In 2021, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Music Hath Charms (Kadambari) (1905), offered in the Winter Live Auction: Indian Art by Saffronart, which concluded on 15 December 2021 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹20,40,00,000 ($2,738,255). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Varma Raja Ravi Artist Draupadi Vastraharan Oil on canvas c1888-1990 Painting FineArts 00416695
Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Draupadi Vastraharan. Oil on canvas, c.1888-1990 | Painting | FineArts | 00416695

1990

Public Auction High

In 2022, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Draupadi Vastraharan (1990), offered in the Spring Live Auction: Modern Indian Art by Saffronart, which concluded on 06 April 2022 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹21,60,00,000 ($2,880,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.

Sotheby's (Auction House). Indian European and Oriental Paintings and Works of Art. 09 October 1992, New Delhi | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00861838

1992

First Auction Appearance | BOOK.AUC

On 09 October 1992, made their debut in the Indian public auction market when Arjun and Subhadra was presented as Lot in Indian European and Oriental Paintings and Works of Art, conducted by Sotheby's in New Delhi, India. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.

Bowrings Auction House European and Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings 20 November 2002 New Delhi Auction Catal...
Bowrings (Auction House). European and Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings. 20 November 2002, New Delhi | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00861892

2002

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Bow.Del/20.11.02

In 2002, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Bowrings: European and Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings (November 2002, London), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Bonhams Auction House Islamic Indian Art - Indian Art - Including Modern and Contemporary Indian and Pakistani Painti...
Bonhams (Auction House). Islamic & Indian Art - Indian Art - Including Modern and Contemporary Indian and Pakistani Paintings. 25 October 2007, London | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00861973

2007

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Bon.Lon/25.10.07

In 2007, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Bonhams: Islamic & Indian Art - Indian Art (October 2007, London), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Pundole Auction House The Fine and Decorative Arts Sale - Including Property from the Estate of the late Laura Hamilt...
Pundole (Auction House). The Fine and Decorative Arts Sale - Including Property from the Estate of the late Laura Hamilton. 04 September 2013, Mumbai | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00862154

2013

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Pu.Mum/04.09.13

In 2013, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Pundole: The Fine and Decorative Arts Sale (September 2013, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Pundole Auction House The Fine Art Sale 17 November 2016 Mumbai Auction Catalogue EconomicsArt 00862242
Pundole (Auction House). The Fine Art Sale. 17 November 2016, Mumbai | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00862242

2016

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Pu.Mum/17.11.16

In 2016, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Pundole: The Fine Art Sale (November 2016, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Sothebys Auction House Modern Contemporary South Asian Art 16 March 2017 New York Auction Catalogue EconomicsArt 0086...
Sotheby's (Auction House). Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art. 16 March 2017, New York | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00862267

2017

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | So.NeY/16.03.17

In 2017, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Sotheby's: Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art (March 2017, London), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Artiana Auction House South Asian Art - Monochrome 18 December 2021 Online Auction Catalogue EconomicsArt 00862409
Artiana (Auction House). South Asian Art - Monochrome. 18 December 2021, Online | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00862409

2021

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Ar.Onl/18.12.21

In 2021, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Artiana: South Asian Art (December 2021, Dubai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Saffronart Auction House Winter Live Auction - Indian Art 15 December 2021 Mumbai Auction Catalogue EconomicsArt 0086...
Saffronart (Auction House). Winter Live Auction - Indian Art. 15 December 2021, Mumbai | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00862410

2021

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Sa.Mum/15.12.21

In 2021, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Saffronart: Winter Live Auction - Indian Art (December 2021, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Saffronart Auction House Spring Live Auction - Modern Indian Art 06 April 2022 Mumbai Auction Catalogue EconomicsArt...
Saffronart (Auction House). Spring Live Auction - Modern Indian Art. 06 April 2022, Mumbai | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00862421

2022

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Sa.Mum/06.04.22

In 2022, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Saffronart: Spring Live Auction (April 2022, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

Pundole Auction House The Fine Art Sale 27 March 2025 Mumbai Auction Catalogue EconomicsArt 00862558
Pundole (Auction House). The Fine Art Sale. 27 March 2025, Mumbai | Auction Catalogue | EconomicsArt | 00862558

2025

Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Pu.Mum/27.03.25

In 2025, an artwork by Raja Ravi Varma was featured on the cover of Pundole: The Fine Art Sale (March 2025, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.

1881

1890

1894

1895

1897

1898

1905

1990

1992

2002

2007

2013

2016

2017

2021

2022

2025

Economics of Art

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda and Krishna, circa 1890s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda and Krishna, circa 1890s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda Krishna, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda Krishna, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Draupadi Vastraharan, c.1888-1990 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Draupadi Vastraharan, c.1888-1990 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Music Hath Charms (Kadambari), c.1900s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Music Hath Charms (Kadambari), c.1900s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Radha in the Moonlight, 1890 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Radha in the Moonlight, 1890 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Dattatreya, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Dattatreya, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Mohini, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Mohini, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). The Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, Governor-General of Madras (1875-80), on his official visit to Trivandrum in 1880, 1881 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). The Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, Governor-General of Madras (1875-80), on his official visit to Trivandrum in 1880, 1881 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Lord Shiva and Family, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Lord Shiva and Family, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Riddhisiddhi Ganpati, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Riddhisiddhi Ganpati, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda and Krishna, circa 1890s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda and Krishna, circa 1890s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda Krishna, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Yashoda Krishna, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Draupadi Vastraharan, c.1888-1990 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Draupadi Vastraharan, c.1888-1990 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Music Hath Charms (Kadambari), c.1900s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Music Hath Charms (Kadambari), c.1900s | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Radha in the Moonlight, 1890 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Radha in the Moonlight, 1890 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Dattatreya, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Dattatreya, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Mohini, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Mohini, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). The Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, Governor-General of Madras (1875-80), on his official visit to Trivandrum in 1880, 1881 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). The Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, Governor-General of Madras (1875-80), on his official visit to Trivandrum in 1880, 1881 | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Lord Shiva and Family, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Lord Shiva and Family, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Riddhisiddhi Ganpati, n.d. | Painting

Varma, Raja Ravi (Artist). Riddhisiddhi Ganpati, n.d. | Painting

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