Hamsa-Damayanti
The artist
Raja Ravi Varma, a celebrated Indian painter who blended Indian stories with European painting techniques.
What you see
A gentle princess named Damayanti listening to a beautiful white swan, who is telling her about a kind prince.
The story
Painted in 1899, it shows a famous scene from an old Indian tale where a talking swan helps two people fall in love.
The style
Ravi Varma painted soft, realistic skin and cloth with warm light, making the old legend look almost like a real photograph.
Look closer
Notice how Damayanti leans in close to the swan, her face full of wonder as she listens to its magical message.
Where to see it
This beloved painting is part of Indian art collections and is one of Raja Ravi Varma's most admired works.
Fun fact
Raja Ravi Varma later made printed copies of his paintings so ordinary families across India could hang them at home.