Sir Chinubhai Baronet (1864-1916) with his family
by Fyzee Rahamin (1880-1964)
dated: 1910
Oil on canvas
108.3 x 84.3 in. (275 x 214 cm.)
It is one of the rarest portraits in the history of portraiture in India due to its sheer size and history. Ravi Varma did individual portraits of the Baronets family, however Chinubhai wanted him to do a family portrait. But due to Varma’s early death this wish could not be materialized. So then Chinubhai Baronet called the court painter of Baroda and got this family portrait made. It is also the largest portrait by Rahamin and a proof of his skill and the stillness of the artist’s hand that allowed him to execute such a magnanimous work of art. It is done in the mansion in which Varma stayed when he visited Ahmedabad. The names of the family members are given below.
1. Sir Chinubhai Baronet
2. Lady Sulochana Chinubhai
3. Jivantika (elder daughter)
4. Manorama (2nd daughter)
5. Indumati (3rd daughter)
6. Sumati (4th daughter)
7. Girija Prasad (son)
8. Aartlal Mehta (son-in-law)
9. Madhusudan (grand son)