“Birth of Shakuntala” The First Oleograph Published By The Raja Ravi Varma Press In 1894
Rare Raja Ravi Varma’s Birth of Shakuntala oleograph of 1894. This oleograph was from the first batch, published at that time, by the newly opened Raja Ravi Varma Press in 1894. There are many interesting firsts to this Birth of Shakuntala oleo; it was the first Raja Ravi Varma’s oleograph, it was the first oleograph that was made in India, and also the first in Asia at that time.
Another distinction was that it used the full set of 30 heavy stones for its printing, which was probably the first and last time a full set was used for a Ravi Varma oleograph. For the uninitiated, oleographs are significantly different from lithographs. A lithograph is more like a print, it does not have the texture or richness to simulate an oil painting like an oleograph. However, oleographs are often mistaken for oil paintings.
Oleographs (or Chromolithographs) were unique; the technique involved the use of printing stones, with one stone for each colour. This was carried out in a multiple process, resulting in a full-color image that resembled an oil painting. Oleography became prominent in India in the late nineteenth century through this very picture produced by the Raja Ravi Varma Fine Arts Lithographic Press (FAL) in 1894.
Raja Ravi Varma is said to have taken personal interest during this initial period of the press since it was his pet project at the time. He had supervised and had done the artwork on the heavy stones. However, printing with the full set of stones was discontinued after this edition because it was found uneconomical. Thus, all subsequent productions in the RRV press used fewer stones, consequently, resulting in fewer colours to the image.
During its 130 years of existence, this Raja Ravi Varma’s Birth of Shakuntala oleograph faced slight deterioration because of the vagaries of weather and humidity. Mrs Rupika Chawla, the well-known art conservator and author, helped restore it back greatly. She is best known for her book, Raja Ravi Varma, Painter of Colonial India. The original wooden frame and thick, wavy glass are in exceptionally good condition, see pics. The frame measures 3½ x 2½ feet (42 x 30 inches) and weighs nearly 15 kgs. The scan does not seem to have captured the real beauty of this oleograph, it appears far more beautiful in its physical form.
Also read Oleography., What Is The Difference In Lithographs And Oleographs, and Raja Ravi Varma: When the Gods Came Home
Did You Know – Raja Ravi Varma passed away at the age of 58 in 1906. He was so newsworthy even at that time, that many Indian and international news agencies camped at Kilimanoor during his last days.
Past posts- Raja Ravi Varma’s Portrait Photo, 1906 Postcard., Bhageerathi, The Wife Of Raja Ravi Varma, 1870 Photo.
