Raja Ravi Varma’s iconic painting “Yashoda and Krishna” sold for ₹167.2 crore, becoming the most expensive modern Indian artwork ever auctioned. Bought by Cyrus Poonawalla, the masterpiece highlights India’s rich artistic heritage and emotional storytelling.
Ravi Varma’s Legacy Shines with Landmark Auction (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Making history in the Indian art world, Raja Ravi Varma’s renowned painting, "Yashoda and Krishna," sold for ₹167.2 crore. This marks the most expensive auction sale of modern Indian art to date.
The painting was acquired by Cyrus S. Poonawalla, the founder of the Serum Institute of India.
The estimated value of this painting was pegged between ₹80–120 crore; however, intense bidding at the Saffronart auction drove the final price to more than double that figure.
This sale shattered the previous record held by M.F. Husain’s painting, "Untitled (Gram Yatra)," which had previously sold for ₹118 crore. That painting was purchased by Kiran Nadar.
Created in the 1890s, this painting captures an emotive scene from Hindu mythology. It depicts Yashoda milking a cow, while the child Krishna attempts to reach for the milk from behind her. The artwork beautifully portrays the profound bond of love between a mother and child.
Raja Ravi Varma’s unique genius lay in his ability to blend european painting techniques and Indian mythological themes to create a distinct new style.
His paintings are characterized by a remarkable balance of color, light, and emotion.
Raja Ravi Varma is hailed as the "Father of Modern Indian Art."
In 1894, he established a printing press that enabled his paintings to reach the masses, bringing images of Hindu deities into households across the country.
His other celebrated works include "Shakuntala" and "Hamsa Damayanti."
Cyrus S. Poonawalla described the acquisition as a matter of "pride and responsibility," stating that this national treasure would be periodically put on public display.
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