Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Monumental Panel “Ruslan at the Castle of Chernomor”. Palekh, USSR, 1979. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. 40 by 22 cm Condition report: Good condition; minor signs of wear. Provenance: From the personal working archive of the Golikov family. Created and preserved by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov. A major 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 composition is based on Alexander Pushkin’s “Ruslan and Lyudmila” and dates to the 1970s. The work is structured as a large-scale panel centred on the mounted figure of Ruslan, set against a complex architectural background. The pictorial space is organised through the interaction of landscape and architectural elements. The decorative treatment of architecture and terrain reflects the artist’s characteristic compositional rhythm. The palette combines rich greens, ochres, and gold against a dark 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. Large-scale panels of this size are exceptionally rare. Works from the 1970s represent a key period in the artist’s career and are of particular interest to collectors. A monumental Palekh work by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, combining scale, architectural complexity, and literary subject. Such works are rarely available and are typically secured at the point of first availability.