Maharani Lakshmi Bayi

Raja Ravi Varma's "Maharani Lakshmi Bayi" (1883) is one of his most refined royal portraits, and what immediately stands out in the painting is the sense of dignity, wealth, and royal authority carried by the Maharani herself. The image portrays Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore, a royal figure from the princely state of Travancore in Kerala, who is also interestingly, the sister of the artist's own wife, standing confidently by a table, staring directly forward, her face showing a look of calmness and composure. The picture does not contain much of action, but the power of the painting comes from the way that Ravi Varma has portrayed her posture, dressing, and overall demeanor. One element that has attracted much attention regarding the painting is the manner in which fabrics have been represented. The detailed silk saree decorated with golden thread, multiple layers of silks, and designs represents elements of royalty and wealth. There is a lot of emphasis placed on the texture when it comes to portraying the materials used to make the attire. Whereas the metallic golden color of the fabric border contrasts sharply with the silky nature of the fabric, the jewelry and decorations are detailed. Some of the colors utilized include intense shades of red, gold, and dark blue. Moreover, the painting also demonstrates the skill set of Ravi Varma, particularly with regards to European academic realism. Nevertheless, even with these elements that are borrowed from Europe, the painting is still very much Indian with respect to attire and cultural identity. Overall, the painting is important as it is more than just a royal portrait. It is also significant in terms of showing how Indian portraits were improved through Ravi Varma.