eastiseverywhere: Raja Ravi Varma Reclining Woman India (late 1800s-1906) [Source] Édouard Manet Olympia France (1863) [Source] So I was googling around for artworks by the great Indian modern artist Raja Ravi Varma, and I found the painting above. Does a

eastiseverywhere: Raja Ravi Varma Reclining Woman India (late 1800s-1906) [Source] Édouard Manet Olympia France (1863) [Source] So I was googling around for artworks by the great Indian modern artist Raja Ravi Varma, and I found the painting above. Does anyone know if it’s directly inspired by Manet, or is it a coincidence? The Manet painting is actually modeled after Titian’s Venus of Urbino (Italy, 1538): Which is based on Giorgione’s Sleeping Venus (Italy, 1510): Which in turn inspired Caracci, Gentilischi, Goya, Velasquez, Reni and many more: So in other words, Varma’s European influences would have informed the subject, composition, and pose somewhat. Basically you’re just looking at a European painting trope, with Indian sensibilities; she is noticeably clothed and is also reading a book.

Done