“Birth of Shakuntala” The First Oleograph Printed In The Raja Ravi Varma Press In 1894
A rare Raja Ravi Varma’s Birth of Shakuntala oleograph/lithograph. This Birth of Shakuntala oleograph was from the first print batch that emerged from the newly opened, “Raja Ravi Varma Fine Arts Lithograph Press (FAL Press)” in 1894. Notably this print is an oleograph and not a lithograph. An oleograph is made to simulate an oil painting, whereas lithographs do not have the texture nor varnish to simulate an oil painting like the oleographs.
Upto 24 heavy litho stones could have been used in an oleograph. The chromolithograph print uses far fewer stones. It is said that Raja Ravi Varma himself did the artwork on the heavy litho stones of this oleograph print. The FAL press had a sophisticated steam press that was imported from Germany at that time. Ravi Varma insisted on using the complete set of the 24 litho stones. He desired the Birth of Shakuntala to be a near likeness of his oil painting.
However, the cumbersome process of using 24 stones was discontinued after this series of prints. It was not economical because of too much labour involved in handling the stones. Thus subsequent prints from the Raja Ravi Varma Press were the more common and cheaper chromolithographs that used fewer stones. Mrs Rupika Chawla, the famous art conservator and author expertly restored this 130 year old Birth of Shakuntala oleograph.
Mrs Chawla had also issued a signed authenticity note for this oleograph after its restoration. One of her books was the best seller “Raja Ravi Varma Painter of Colonial India”. The heavy wooden frame and thick wavy glass seen in the images came originally with this print. It is not surprising that this oleograph is remarkably large in size and weight, it measures 3½ x 2½ ft (104 x 73 cm) and weighs 10 kg.
Also read Raja Ravi Varma: When the Gods Came Home.
Did You Know – Raja Ravi Varma passed away in 1906 at the age of 58 because of diabetes. He was so newsworthy even at that time, that many international and Indian news agencies camped at Kilimanoor on his dying days recording his last moments.
Past posts- Raja Ravi Varma’s Portrait Photo, 1906 Postcard., Bhageerathi, The Wife Of Raja Ravi Varma, 1870 Photo., Rare Advertisement Taj Palace Hotel Bombay 1907., Crawford Market & Tram In Mumbai- Old Postcard 1914.