Kadambari

The title of this famous painting is ‘Kadambari’ or ‘Music Hath Charms’, painted by legendary artist and painter from India Raja Ravi Varma. This oil painting is in the realist style and depicts an elegant and high class lady playing the sitar. There are many elements in the painting that indicate that the lady is of high class and sophistication. The lady wears a luxurious and highly detailed peach and gold saree with a black velvet top. She has an open and relaxed pose with her legs crossed and has removed one of her velvety slippers to place it on the stone floor. This suggests she is in a very relaxed state as she is fully immersed in her music. On the bench next to her there are some freshly picked flowers. She also wears beautiful traditional jewellery including earrings, necklaces and bangles. There is also a flower in her hair which is tied up nicely. This painting displays a perfect combination of Raja Ravi Varma’s skill in using the realist western techniques such as chiaroscuro and linear perspective with traditional Indian elements. The soft light shining through onto the veranda makes the luxurious fabrics look more vibrant and the smooth wood of the large sitar stand out. In the background there are lots of plants and vines which helps to create a feeling of isolation around the main character. This painting is historically significant because it was one of the last paintings Raja Ravi Varma painted before he died in 1906. This painting celebrates divine femininity, tradition and devotion to music.