Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Stone “Ivan and the Firebird”. Palekh, USSR, 1958. Natural stone, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. 3 by 4 cm. Condition report: Signs of wear to the base; abrasions to the lacquer and minor losses to the painted surface. Provenance: From the Golikov family collection (Palekh). Created and preserved within the artist’s personal archive. A rare and early work by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, one of the leading masters of the Palekh school, Honoured Artist of the RSFSR, and a representative of a distinguished artistic dynasty, son of Ivan Ivanovich Golikov. This piece reflects the artist’s interest in experimental approaches to material. Here, Golikov uses a natural stone as the support, integrating the painted composition with its organic form and surface. The subject, drawn from Russian folklore, depicts the moment when Ivan seizes the Firebird by its tail. Set against the light ochre tone of the stone, the figure of Ivan, dressed in red, is rendered with dynamic movement. The bird’s tail is treated in shimmering golden hues using raised gold and layered techniques. The fine detailing harmonises with the natural texture of the stone, creating a unified decorative effect. Collecting & Investment Potential: Works by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov are held in major museum collections and form part of the established canon of Palekh miniature painting. Works with direct family provenance are rarely encountered on the market. Experimental pieces executed on unconventional supports are of particular interest within the context of the artist’s development. An early and experimental work by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, combining rare material with direct family provenance. Such works are seldom available and are typically acquired at the point of first availability.