Water carrier - A painting of a woman carrying a pot on her head

Ravi Varma (1848–1906), Indian painter best known for uniting Hindu mythological subject matter with European realist historicist painting style. He was one of the first Indian artists to use oil paints and to master the art of lithographic reproduction of his work. In addition to incidents in Hindu mythology, Varma painted many portraits of both Indians and British in India.

Raja Ravi Varma was a renowned Indian painter and artist who lived from 1848 to 1906. Widely regarded as one of the most important artists in the history of Indian art, he is known for his vivid and realistic paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as his depictions of Indian life and culture. Varma was born in Kilimanoor, a small village in the southern Indian state of Kerala. He began his artistic career by studying under the tutelage of his uncle, Raja Raja Varma, who was also a well-known artist. Varma later studied at the J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style. Varma's paintings were notable for their use of bright colours and realistic depictions of Indian life and mythology. He was particularly adept at capturing the beauty and grace of Indian women, and many of his most famous works depict women in traditional dress or engaged in everyday activities. Varma's work had a significant impact on Indian art, and he is often credited with helping to modernise and popularise traditional Indian painting styles. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary Indian artists, and his paintings remain highly sought after by collectors around the world.