Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Decorative Panel (Plate) “The Scarlet Flower” and an unfinished Palekh lacquer base preserved in the Golikov workshop - a rare insight into the making process. Palekh, USSR, 1970. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. Diameter 20 cm. Condition report: Wear consistent with age; surface abrasions. 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 composition is based on Sergey Aksakov’s tale “The Scarlet Flower” and dates to the 1970s. The scene is structured as a multi-episodic narrative, combining key moments of the story within a single composition. The central image depicts the encounter between the heroine and the Beast holding the flower, with additional scenes unfolding around it. Figures and architectural elements are integrated into a unified decorative setting. The palette combines насыщенные greens, ochres, and coral tones against a black ground. Fine detailing is executed using raised gold and 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. Subjects based on Sergey Aksakov are less common than Pushkin-related themes. Multi-figure compositions from the 1970s continue to attract strong collector interest. A multi-figure Palekh composition by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, based on a less common literary source. Such works are rarely available and are typically secured at the point of first availability. Extra Palekh Lacquer Base (Unpainted)  from the Golikov Workshop: An unpainted papier-mâché base prepared for a Palekh lacquer miniature. The surface is finished with black lacquer, forming the traditional ground for tempera painting with raised gold. Such bases underwent a multi-stage preparation process, including forming, priming, sanding, and repeated lacquering. The absence of painting allows the object to be understood as part of the artistic and technical process of Palekh production. Workshop materials and unfinished bases from Palekh artists are rarely preserved and seldom appear on the market. Such objects provide insight into the making process and are of interest to collectors and institutions focused on the history and technique of lacquer miniature painting. A rare workshop object from the Golikov family, offering insight into the making of Palekh lacquer miniatures. Material of this nature is seldom available and is typically acquired by specialist collectors.