The iconic painting Yashoda and Krishna by Raja Ravi Varma has become the most expensive modern Indian artwork ever sold, fetching ₹167.2 crore (~$17.9 million) at auction. The Painting:
- Far exceeded its estimated price of ₹80–120 crore
- Sets a new benchmark in Indian art market
- Reflects the growing global demand for Indian art
Previous Record
The earlier record was held by M F Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra) (1954), which sold for ₹118 crore at a Christie’s auction in March 2025.
About Painting: Yashoda and Krishna
Painted in the 1890s, during the peak of Raja Ravi Varma’s career, the artwork is an oil on canvas masterpiece inspired by the Shrimad Bhagavatam.
- Depicts Yashoda milking a cow while infant Krishna approaches her
- Captures a tender, intimate moment of maternal love and divinity
- Uses chiaroscuro technique (light and shadow contrast)
- Combines European realism with Indian mythological themes
The painting is celebrated for its emotional depth, realism, and cultural symbolism.
About Raja Ravi Varma
- Lifespan: 1848–1906
- Born in Travancore (present-day Kerala)
- Known as the “Father of Modern Indian Art”
Key Contributions
- Fusion of Styles: Blended European oil painting techniques with Indian themes
- Popularisation of Art: Established a lithographic press (1894) to produce affordable prints
- Democratisation of Art: Made religious imagery accessible to common people
- Standardisation of Deities: His depictions shaped the modern visual representation of Hindu gods
Important Works
- Yashoda and Krishna
- Shakuntala
- Saraswati and Lakshmi
- Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair
Artistic Significance
Raja Ravi Varma’s works marked a transition from traditional Indian art to modern realism, introducing:
- Perspective and depth
- Realistic human forms
- Emotional storytelling in mythology