Painting Detail

Expectation

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Main Image

Expectation


Details of Collection

Post card from PS Joshi & Company based in ghatkopar Bombay , Under Art & Beauti Series based on Raja Ravi Varma work. Thjs post card have divided back and it's estimated time of production is post 1905-06 . These post card is mentioned in book published by Dr. Jagat Iswari on Raja Ravi Varma catalogue. page no 247 under category G. 

 

Expectations are an integral part of human life. They shape our aspirations, influence our emotions, and drive our actions. Whether they come from society, family, or within ourselves, expectations can serve as powerful motivators or, at times, sources of disappointment. While they push individuals toward growth and achievement, unrealistic or unmet expectations can lead to frustration, stress, and disillusionment. 
 

Description:-

“Expectation” is a poignant portrayal of feminine emotion rendered masterfully by Raja Ravi Varma, often regarded as the father of modern Indian art. In this composition, a woman draped in a rich green saree trimmed with yellow sits pensively, her gaze directed outward with a subtle expression of hope and contemplation. The hand supporting her cheek and the letter clutched in the other suggests a narrative of longing — perhaps awaiting a beloved or news from afar.

 

This image exemplifies Varma’s unique ability to humanize Indian women, placing them not only as mythological figures but also as emotional beings experiencing everyday sentiments. It marked a departure from traditional courtly or devotional representations, allowing viewers to connect intimately with the subject.

The use of soft yet vivid colours, realistic facial expressions, and detailed textiles underscores Varma’s academic style, deeply influenced by European realism. The lithograph version of this painting helped bring fine art into the drawing rooms of the Indian middle class, making it one of the many timeless images that democratized art in colonial India.

 

Significance:- 

“Expectation” reflects Raja Ravi Varma’s broader oeuvre — where mythology, modernity, and emotion converge. It’s not just an artwork but a cultural statement on the inner lives of women, subtly layered with social commentary and emotional realism.

 

 

  • 5 x 7