PORTRAIT OF LADY

In The Portrait of a Lady, Raja Ravi Varma paints more than elegance. He captures a woman who is aware of her power. The silk draped around her, the weight of her jewellery, the calm certainty in her expression, all come together to reveal a presence that is both graceful and commanding, where beauty and authority exist side by side.

We chose Prana Sundari saree to embody this formidable elegance. We reimagined the portrait using a deep black Gadwal silk saree, with gold buttas scattered across the body. The gold zari border provides the foundation, and a bold red edge transforms the overall frame Ravi Varma himself would have appreciated. This interplay of black, gold, and red mirrors the painting's own palette, where Varma used contrasting elements to create visual tension and release.

Draped in the traditional Maharashtrian style that Varma favored for his portraits of aristocratic women, the saree creates that same sculptural quality the way silk holds its pleats with architectural certainty, the way the pallu drapes with deliberate weight over the shoulder. We've styled it with substantial gold jewellery, the kind that makes a sound when you move and the kind that speaks of heritage and intention.

This is inheritance made wearable, tradition rendered contemporary. The Prana Sundari saree doesn't just reference Ravi Varma's vision. It extends it, proving that the elegance he captured over a century ago remains as commanding, as relevant, and as deeply powerful today.

Note: Our sarees are showcased in an artistic setting to highlight their beauty. This may lead to minor colour variations in the images. For an accurate view of the product colour, please click on the link.