Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Box “Ruslan and Lyudmila”. Palekh, USSR, 1970s. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. Diameter 14 cm; large circular box. Condition report: Signs of wear; scratches and abrasions to the lacquer. The box shows evidence of an old repair. Provenance: From the Golikov family collection (Palekh). Created and preserved within the artist’s personal archive. A major 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. The piece belongs to the artist’s mature period and presents an elaborate multi-figure composition based on Alexander Pushkin’s “Ruslan and Lyudmila”. The central scene - Ruslan carrying Lyudmila on horseback - is surrounded by a series of subsidiary episodes forming a continuous narrative. The composition incorporates figures and motifs from the tale, including battle scenes, warriors, and the characters of Chernomor and Finn. The work is distinguished by its complex spatial organisation and density of detail. The colour palette combines deep greens, ochres, and reds, enhanced with the use of raised gold. Fine detailing - from armour to textiles and ornamental elements - is executed in the traditional multi-layered tempera technique. 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. Large-scale multi-figure compositions based on literary subjects are particularly significant within the artist’s oeuvre and are highly sought after by collectors. A major Palekh work by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, combining scale, narrative complexity, and direct family provenance. Such works are rarely available and are typically secured at the point of first availability.