question_answer

On what grounds did Rabindranath Tagore criticise the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma?      

Answer:

Raja Ravi Varma mastered the Western art of oil painting and realistic life study, but painted the themes based on Indian mythology. Rabindranath Tagore rejected the art of Ravi Varma.

(i) According to him, Ravi Varma's art was imitative and westernised.

(ii) Rabindranath Tagore declared that such a style was unsuitable for depicting the nation's ancient myths and legends.

(iii) Rabindranath Tagore felt that a genuine Indian style of painting had to draw inspiration from non-western art traditions, and try to capture the spiritual essence.