Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Box “By the River” (Washing Linen). Palekh, USSR, 1978. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. 12 by 6 cm; rectangular. Condition report: Minor signs of wear; inventory labels on the reverse. Provenance: From the personal working archive of the Golikov family. Created and preserved by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov. A work by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, one of the leading masters of the Palekh school, Honoured Artist of the RSFSR, and son of Ivan Ivanovich Golikov. The piece dates to the 1970s and presents a genre scene depicting women washing linen by the river. The composition is structured as a multi-figure arrangement, with interaction between figures and their surroundings. Movement is conveyed through expressive linear rhythm characteristic of the artist. Particular attention is given to the depiction of water and vegetal elements, treated in a decorative manner. Architectural forms appear in the upper section, contributing to the spatial structure. The colour palette combines насыщенные tones with the use of raised gold. Fine detailing is executed 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. Genre scenes are less common than traditional narrative subjects. Works from the 1970s represent a mature phase in the artist’s career and are of consistent interest to collectors. A characterful Palekh miniature by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, reflecting the artist’s interpretation of everyday rural life. Such works are seldom available and are typically acquired at the point of first availability.