“Birth of Shakuntala” The First Oleograph Published From The Raja Ravi Varma Press In 1894
A rare Raja Ravi Varma’s Birth of Shakuntala oleograph of 1894. This is the first edition that was published from then newly opened “Raja Ravi Varma Fine Arts Lithograph Press or FAL Press” in 1894. And perhaps the only one known to exist today. 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. But oleographs are often mistaken for oil paintings.
Oleographs (or Chromolithographs) were unique. The technique involved the use of printing stones, sometimes as many as thirty, with one stone for each colour. It was carried out in a multiple process of drawing, etching, inking, imprinting, and finishing. Resulting in a full-color image that simulates an oil painting. Oleography became prominent in India in the late nineteenth century by this very image that was first produced by the Raja Ravi Varma Fine Arts Lithographic Press (FAL) in 1894.
This Birth of Shakuntala used the full set of stones for its printing. It has the distinction of being the first Raja Ravi Varma colour picture produced by the FAL press in 1894 as well as the first oleograph made in India. The FAL press was equipped with a sophisticated steam press imported from Germany. It is believed Raja Ravi Varma himself took interest in the creation of this first oleograph batch. He did the artwork on the heavy stones. However, because of the high production cost involved, the use of the full set of the stones was discontinued. The process of using the full stones was terminated after the production of this first edition batch.
The subsequent editions of Raja Ravi Varma’s oleographs used fewer stones. Which correspondingly resulted in the image having lesser colours. Mrs Rupika Chawla, the famous art conservator and author expertly restored this 130-year-old Birth of Shakuntala oleograph. It had deteriorated a bit because of age and humidity on the wall were it was hung. Mrs Chawla had skilfully brought it back to life, she is well known for her bestseller book: Raja Ravi Varma Painter of Colonial India. She had also certified the authenticity of this oleograph. Amazingly this oleograph still retains its original heavy wooden frame and thick wavy glass from that period. The frame measures 3½ x 2½ feet and together it weighs around 15 kgs. The scan does not seem to capture the true beauty of the oleograph.
Read more on Oleography and What Is The Difference In Lithographs And Oleographs.
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 during 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., Raja Ravi Varma’s Balamani Actress, 1902 Postcard., Raja Ravi Varma’s Inspiring Models – 2 Postcards 1900.
