LT. SHRI CHIMNABAI’S PORTRAIT (BARODA MAHARANI)
25.10 x 19.4 inches
Oil on canvas

Raja Ravi Varma’s “Lt. Shri Chimnabai’s Portrait” (Baroda Maharani) is a magnificent oil on canvas that radiates grace, regality, and timeless elegance. With his signature blend of Indian tradition and European realism, Varma immortalizes the Maharani of Baroda in a composition that is both intimate and grand.
Draped in an exquisitely woven saree, its folds rendered with meticulous detail, Maharani Chimnabai embodies the essence of royalty and refinement. Her ornate jewelry glistens softly, a testament to her status, while her expression—serene yet commanding—captures the depth of her character. The subtle interplay of light and shadow breathes life into the portrait, enhancing the delicate contours of her face, the gentle drape of fabric, and the quiet strength in her gaze. Varma’s brushwork, both soft and precise, brings out the textures of silk and gold, the glow of skin, and the richness of her adornments, making her presence almost tangible. The carefully muted background allows her regal form to stand out, ensuring that all attention is drawn to her dignified posture and luminous presence.