Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Box “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Bogatyrs”. Palekh, USSR, 1990. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. Diameter: 14 cm; large circular box. Condition report: Signs of wear; minor abrasions to the lacquer. 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 late period and presents an elaborate multi-figure composition based on Alexander Pushkin’s “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Bogatyrs”. At the centre stands the princess, surrounded by the figures of the seven bogatyrs, each individually rendered. The composition is structured through the interplay of the central figure and grouped characters, forming a cohesive narrative scene. The colour palette contrasts a dark ground with rich green tones of the garden. Architectural and decorative elements - including the depiction of a terem and vegetal ornament - are executed using raised gold. Fine detailing - from costume to ornamental elements - is achieved through 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 literary compositions 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 richness, and direct family provenance. Such works are rarely available and are typically secured at the point of first availability.