S L Larius

S. L. Larius (September 1, 1918 – March 8, 1999) was an Indian painter, sculptor, architect, writer, dramatist and a theatre director. He was the son of Lawrence and Treesa, at Arthunkal a small village in Alleppey district. Among those who came to India in the sixteenth century along with the early Portuguese missionaries were three brothers who excelled in painting, sculpture and architecture. History records reveal that S. L. Larius of Srambickal family is a direct descendant of the eldest of these brothers who had settled in Arthunkal.

Larius started life as a teacher of art. During the thirty three years of his teaching career, he was instrumental in guiding many an aspiring artist who distinguished themselves in later life. S.S. School of Arts of Alleppey which he established in 1946 and ran till his death as its Director gave an impetus to art education in Kerala. He contributed immensely to the growth of painting, sculpture and architecture. The portrait Gallery of the Bishop's House, Alleppey is a standing testimony to the artistic talents of Larius. Many churches, educational institutions and auditoriums in Kerala speak volumes for the architectural skills of Larius. Fifteen paintings of the stations of the "Way of the Cross" which adorn the famous St. Andrew's Basilica, Arthunkal have been lauded the world over. Paintings of Larius have become part of the collections of art lovers both within and outside the country. The portrait he did of John .F. Kennedy, which is a part of the Kennedy household collection now, fetched him a letter of appreciation from Jacqueline Kennedy.

The six books which Larius wrote in Malayalam on painting are considered the most authoritative works on the subject. He wrote 12 plays, and directed the stage presentation of most of them.

Many are the honours which have come his way. Pope John Paul II awarded him the Papel honour "Benemerenthi" in 1983. He served as a member of the executive committee of the Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy for 13 years. He was on the Sahithya Academy for six years and Kerala Sangeetha-Nataka Academy for another six years. He was also a life member of the Kerala Chithra Kala Parishath. He attained eternal rest on March 8, 1999.