Untitled
Signed in English (upper right)
Gouache on box board
9 x 12 in | 22.9 x 30.5 cm
In the 1970s, Goud depicted several tales in monochromatic gouache painted series, animating the stories. Lots 12,
13,
14,
15 and
16 depict the story of The Brahmin and the Tiger from the Hitopdesha Tales, a collection of fables that were originally written in Sanskrit. This fable narrates how an old tiger, incapable of hunting anymore decides to use a gold bracelet to lure a greedy passerby towards it. As Goud illustrates in his series, the Brahmin is attracted towards the bracelet and his greed leads to his own downfall as he is attacked by the tiger as soon as he steps into the marsh for the bracelet. The illustrative style in these paintings immediately conjures the story.
Through his unique treatment of the subject, Goud lends a modern touch to fables passed down generations. By rendering the background in monochrome, he draws the viewer's attention to the central figures, directing them to focus on the main characters, instead of taking in the entire scene. The scene then serves as a prop for the story to unfold.