Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Monumental Painting “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”. Palekh, Russia, 2005. Tempera on canvas (mounted on board). 60 by 43 cm (visible); 64 by 48 cm (framed) Condition report: In a wooden frame. Stains along the edges of the painted surface. Owner’s labels on the frame (front and reverse). Inventory markings and stains on the stretcher. Canvas partially detached from the frame; mounting present. Provenance: From the family collection of the Golikov dynasty. Created and preserved in the personal studio of Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov. Belongs to the late period of the artist’s career and represents one of his final interpretations of the Pushkin cycle. A large-scale easel painting in which Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov develops the narrative of Pushkin’s The Tale of Tsar Saltan into a multi-layered composition. The structure follows a panoramic arrangement, where multiple narrative episodes unfold around the central group of characters. These include scenes such as the rescue of the Swan Princess, the emergence of the warriors from the sea, and architectural visions of the mythical city. All elements are unified through a rhythmic system of line and color characteristic of the Palekh tradition. The palette combines rich greens, blues, and ochres, while the stylized landscape creates a cohesive decorative environment. Executed in tempera with gold detailing, the work demonstrates refined linework and layered painting techniques, producing a sense of depth and luminosity. Collecting & Investment Potential: Late-period canvas works by Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov are rare and highly sought after. The combination of a major literary subject, large format, and late execution enhances the work’s appeal for advanced collectors and institutional collections. A late large-format interpretation of a key literary theme within Golikov’s oeuvre.