Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Box “Conversation”. Palekh, USSR, 1976. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. 6 by 4 cm. Condition report: Signs of wear; abrasions and minor losses to the lacquer. 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. Created in 1976, this is a small-scale multi-figure composition from the artist’s mature period. The scene is structured around a group of figures engaged in interaction, with gesture and orientation forming the internal rhythm of the composition. Despite its compact size, the work retains clarity of drawing and expressive form. The palette combines насыщенные cinnabar tones with gold accents and a landscape background. 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. Small-scale works of this kind are valued by collectors as demonstrations of technical precision and artistic control. A finely executed miniature by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov, demonstrating precision and control at a reduced scale. Such works are consistently appreciated by collectors.