Vasantasena

Vasantasena is the protagonist of a famous ancient Sanskrit play titled Mrcchakatika (The Little Clay Cart), written by Sudraka. Vasantasena is a rich courtesan of Ujjayini, who falls in love with a young and impoverished brahmin, Charudatta. Despite being married and having a son, Charudatta also falls in love with her because of her noble nature and beauty. In the play, Vasantasena is depicted as a bold and courageous woman who plays the dominant role in this love affair, a depiction that was rare in ancient Indian stories.
This oleograph depicting Vasantasena is from 1896, and is signed by the artist Raja Ravi Varma. There is a crease on the left side, but the artwork is in good condition otherwise.