Title: Sita-Suvarnamriga
Size: 20”L X 14”W ( 23.25”L X 17.25”W with frame)
This extremely rare embellished lithograph, printed by the iconic Raja Ravi Varma Press and based on an original painting by Raja Ravi Varma, captures a pivotal moment from the Ramayana. The scene depicts Sita, draped in a vivid pink saree, reaching out to a golden deer in a serene forest—unaware that the deer is actually the demon Maaricha in disguise.
Commissioned by Ravana as part of a deceitful plan, the golden deer is used to lure Rama away from their forest dwelling. Enchanted by its beauty, Sita pleads with Rama to capture it. The moment depicted here is just before the dramatic unraveling of events that lead to her abduction, making this artwork a powerful visual prelude to one of the epic’s most defining moments.
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 textured garment that brings Sita’s presence to life with an added sense of depth and craftsmanship.
Set in a tranquil woodland scene with graceful deer surrounding her, Sita’s grace and the fine detailing of her attire and jewelry reflect Raja Ravi Varma’s masterful blend of mythological storytelling and European realism. A timeless piece that carries both narrative depth and visual charm. This piece stands as a legacy, meant to be passed down through generations.
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.
