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Raja Ravi Varma's 'Yashoda and Krishna' Sells for Record Rs 167.2 Crore

A painting by Raja Ravi Varma titled 'Yashoda and Krishna' has been sold for a staggering Rs 167.20 crore, setting a new global auction record for Indian art. The sale took place at Saffronart's Spring Live Auction, which achieved a 100% sell-out rate. This price shatters the previous record held by MF Husain's work, which sold for Rs 15.60 crore. Painted in the 1890s, the artwork is celebrated for its depiction of maternal love through the mythological figures of Krishna and Yashoda.

Key Points: Raja Ravi Varma Painting Sets Record at Rs 167.2 Crore

  • Record Rs 167.2 crore sale
  • Beats previous record by MF Husain
  • Sold at Saffronart's Spring Live Auction
  • Depicts mythological theme of maternal love
2 min read

Raja Ravi Varma's painting 'Yashoda and Krishna' sets Indian art record with Rs 167.2 crore sale in auction

Raja Ravi Varma's 'Yashoda and Krishna' sells for Rs 167.2 crore, setting a new world auction record for Indian art.

"setting a new benchmark as the highest value ever achieved for Indian art at auction globally - Saffronart"

New Delhi, April 2

Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma's oil painting of 'Yashodha and Krishna' has set the new world record for the highest price for an Indian painting sold at the auction. The art was sold for Rs 167.20 crore inclusive of the buyer's premium.

The bidding took place at the Saffronart auction house on April 1. Taking to their Instagram handle, they shared a snap of the Indian artwork.

"RAJA RAVI VARMA'S Yashoda and Krishna, circa 1890s, sold for Rs 167.20 crores ($17.97 million), surpassing its higher estimate, setting a record for the highest value achieved by the artist in an auction worldwide. It is also the highest value work by an Indian artist sold at auction globally," wrote Saffronart. The painting has beaten the previous record set by MF Husain's Untitled (Benares) which fetched Rs 15.60 crore last year.

"Saffronart's Spring Live Auction concluded as a remarkable white glove success, with 100% of the lots sold. At the heart of the evening was Raja Ravi Varma's phenomenal 'Yashoda and Krishna' which achieved an extraordinary Rs 167.20 crores ($17.97 million), setting a new benchmark as the highest value ever achieved for Indian art at auction globally," captioned the auction house.

According to the website of Saffronart, Ravi Varma was at the height of his career when he painted the famous 'Yashodha and Krishna' in 1890. Yashoda and Krishna ranks as one of the artist's most accomplished works.

"In this painting, he interprets the universally resonant theme of maternal love through the mythological figures of the infant Lord Krishna and his foster mother Yashoda, a subject strongly embedded in Indian culture and devotional sentiment," read the description of the painting on the website.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While I'm proud of the record, a part of me is sad. A masterpiece like this should be in a national museum for all Indians to see, not in a private collection. Who bought it? I hope it's someone who will loan it for public exhibitions.
R
Rohit P
Rs 167 crore! That's mind-boggling. Just shows the power of our cultural heritage. My grandmother had a calendar with a print of this painting. It's beautiful that something so familiar to millions can command such respect and value.
S
Sarah B
As an art student, this is inspiring. Ravi Varma bridged Indian mythological themes with European techniques. This price validates his legacy. But it also raises the bar incredibly high for contemporary Indian artists.
V
Vikram M
The price is astronomical, but the sentiment is priceless. Yashoda and Krishna represent pure maternal love. In today's fast world, we need to remember these values. Glad this painting is getting so much attention.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while this is a landmark sale, I hope this doesn't make art only about investment for the ultra-rich. Art should be accessible. The gap between this and Husain's previous record is staggering. Makes you think.

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