The first chromolithograph, 'Birth of Shakuntala' (also bears the spelling 'Sakoontala') was launched in July, 1894. The Ravi Varma Fine Art Lithographic Press was set up in Girgaum, Bombay and commenced its operations. The brother of Raja Ravi Varma, Raja Raja Varma would commence the logistic process of the establishment of the Press by deputing Abdoola Hoosein who traveled to Germany and engaged the services of Fritz Schleicher to help set up and run the Press. Both these prophecies would come true in ample measure. And once you get into fine-art printmaking, what were doing is allowing an artist to express themselves in a way that is unique to the. Sir Madhava prophesied that doing so would not only extend Varma's reputation but would also do a great service to the country. And as we get closer to fine art, were doing the same conceptual focus of what a dollar bill is, a magazine, a newspaper, a poster is. It was the repeated demand for copies of his paintings which led to the suggestion by Dewan Sir Tanjavur Madhava Row that Ravi Varma send some of his paintings to Europe to have them oleographed. Raja Ravi Varma was one of the few artists who attained professional success during his lifetime - for generally, it is opined that artists achieve great fame after their demise.
