Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Decorative Panel (Plate) “Duel of Peresvet and Chelubey”. Palekh, USSR, 1987. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. Diameter 20 cm. Condition report: Minimal signs of wear. Hanging fixture 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, People’s Artist of the RSFSR, and son of Ivan Ivanovich Golikov. The subject depicts the duel between Alexander Peresvet and Chelubey, a key episode of the Battle of Kulikovo. The composition is structured as a dynamic столкновение of two mounted figures, captured at the moment of impact. The figures are rendered in complex poses, emphasising movement and tension. The palette contrasts cinnabar and gold tones against a black ground. Armour and costume details are executed using raised gold. The surrounding landscape is treated decoratively, forming a circular composition aligned with the format of the object. 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. Battle scenes are a significant part of Palekh iconography. Decorative panels of this format are less common than smaller objects and attract consistent collector interest. A dynamic Palekh composition by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, based on a historically significant subject. Such works are rarely available and are typically secured at the point of first availability.