Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Decorative Panel (Lid) “Lyudmila in the Gardens of Chernomor”. Palekh, USSR, 1968. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. Diameter 6 cm; circular. Condition report: Signs of wear; minor scratches and abrasions to the lacquer. Provenance: From the Golikov family collection (Palekh). Created and preserved within the artist’s personal archive. A refined 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. Dated 1968, the work belongs to a period when the artist developed complex architectural and narrative compositions. The subject is drawn from Alexander Pushkin’s “ Ruslan and Lyudmila ” and depicts Lyudmila in the enchanted gardens of Chernomor. The composition combines a central figure with an elaborate architectural setting. Set against a black lacquer ground, Lyudmila appears before a stylised palace with towers, creating a layered spatial structure. Vegetal and architectural motifs are executed using raised gold, contributing to the decorative unity of the piece. Fine detailing - from figures 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. Compositions combining architectural complexity with literary subject matter are of particular interest within the artist’s oeuvre. A refined Palekh miniature by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, combining architectural composition with a literary narrative. Such works are seldom available and are typically acquired at the point of first availability.