Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) - Ladies in the moonlight

 

Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) - Ladies in the moonlight

The oleograph from which this painting is based is titled ‘Damayanti.’ Damayanti is the protagonist and heroine in the Sanskrit epic, Nala and Damayanti. In the story, Damayanti and King Nala fall in love with each other after hearing about their respective noble traits, intelligence and beauty. Using a golden swan as a messenger, they exchange messages. Over time, Damayanti starts to pine for Nala, shunning food, sleep and other activities. The scene depicted in this painting is Damayanti, engrossed in thoughts of Nala and being fanned by her attendant Keshini. 

The gold ornamentation and borders of the womens' sarees leap from the canvas while their bodies are both poised yet dynamic at the same time. The veranda floor is strewn with delicate flowers drawing the eyes to the emerging shadows and contrasting light effects from the moody skies above; jointly creating a tranquil yet moving ambiance. Interestingly, the scene was originally meant to be on a sunlit terrace but was glossed with a varnish that was too dark and the oleograph was converted into a night scene with a hand painted crescent moon. via