‘Dushyanta-Shakuntala’ Raja Ravi Varma Lithograph (Embellished Edition, extremely rare)

Title: Dushyanta-Shakuntala
Size: 20”L X 14”W ( 23.25”L X 17.25”W with frame)

This exquisite chromolithograph by Raja Ravi Varma portrays a tender and pivotal scene from Abhijnanasakuntalam, the timeless Sanskrit romance between Shakuntala and King Dushyanta. The daughter of the sage Vishwamitra and the celestial nymph Menaka, Shakuntala was abandoned at birth and raised in a forest hermitage by the sage Kanva. During a royal hunting expedition, King Dushyanta encountered her and became instantly captivated by her grace and virtue. Their love culminated in a Gandharva marriage—a mutual exchange of vows without formal ceremony—sealed by a symbolic ring Dushyanta gave as a pledge of love and fidelity. Set in a tranquil forest, the composition showcases Varma’s signature fusion of Indian mythology with European artistic realism, bringing depth and emotion to this legendary moment.

This embellishment is exceptionally rare. It was crafted by workers at the press, along with their family members, who used available fabric to sew these details—both as a means of occupying their time and supplementing their income. The result is a richly detailed garment that evokes the presence of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala with remarkable depth and artisanal finesse.

This artwork is more than a scene of romantic union—it is a moment frozen in time, rendered with deep cultural resonance. It bridges myth and modernity, reminding us of how art can preserve not just stories, but emotion, memory, and collective identity.

To preserve its historical character while making it suitable for modern display, we carefully restored and framed this piece using archival materials. Instead of traditional glass, we opted for lightweight acrylic glazing to reduce overall weight and enhance safety without compromising clarity.

Learn more about Raja Ravi Varma and his artworks here.