“Midday Feast for the Village Deity in the Forest”, by S.H.Godbole, watercolor, Pune, 1950

This is a rendering made around 1950 when the artist was at the height of his creative genius. Every one of the paintings made by the artist in this period was very unique in the subject matter and its treatment. That itself is a sign of a period in the artist’s career, when he is greatly inspired. Most of Godbole’s landscapes are contexted by people who populate them. Through a minimalist treatment the artist has depicted the happy drama of cooking a meal in the woods in large copper pots, offering it to the deity, and partaking of the prasadam. With equally consummate flair the artist has created the atmosphere of friendly Indian woods under the hot midday sun. The ease of the brushwork lifts the spirits of the viewer. There is nothing laborious in this painting. The happy mood of enjoyment is clearly shared in the happy effortless treatment by the artist. The same feeling is experienced by those viewing this painting. That is what makes this a great Rasa Masterpiece.