Raja Ravi Varma was a celebrated 19th-century Indian painter renowned for fusing European academic art techniques with Indian subjects and sensibilities. Often hailed as the "father of modern Indian art," he brought mythological stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana to life with a unique realistic style. His work also democratised art by producing affordable lithographic prints of his paintings, which allowed common people to possess and engage with fine art. His vibrant depictions of Hindu deities and elegant portraits of women have left a lasting influence on Indian visual culture.