Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Miniature Box “Battle” (“Duel”). Palekh, USSR, 1973. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised gold, lacquer. 4 by 4 cm. Condition report: Signs of wear; abrasions to the lacquer. Provenance: From the family collection of the Golikov dynasty. 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 1973, this is a miniature composition from the artist’s mature period, centred on a dynamic duel scene. The figures are arranged in a compact composition, conveying movement and interaction within a very limited space. Despite its extremely small scale, the work retains complexity of form and clarity of drawing. The palette combines cinnabar, gold, and green tones. 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. Miniature battle scenes of this level of execution are less common and are valued as demonstrations of technical mastery. A compact yet highly expressive miniature by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov. Such works demonstrate the artist’s control at the smallest scale and remain consistently desirable.