Damayanti Thinking of King Nal (1883) - Raja Ravi Varma Painting

This exquisite painting, Damayanti Thinking of King Nal (1883), is a masterful work by the celebrated Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. It vividly captures a poignant moment from the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, specifically the tale of King Nala of Nishadha and Princess Damayanti of Vidarbha.

The scene is an intimate portrayal of Damayanti, beautifully rendered in the style that blends traditional Indian aesthetics with European academic techniques, a hallmark of Ravi Varma's genius. Damayanti is depicted in a moment of deep contemplation, leaning against a railing or parapet, her head gently resting on her hand in a gesture that conveys both longing and melancholy.