Bidspirit auction | Ivan Konstantinovich Myznikov (1871-1961)

Ivan Konstantinovich Myznikov (1871-1961) - “Portrait of a Boy”. Palekh, USSR, 1920s. Papier-mâché panel, egg tempera, lacquer. 24 by 18 cm. Condition report: Craquelure, losses to the paint layer, darkening of the surface. Provenance From the memorial collection of the Golikov family. The work remained in the family's collection as a testament to the artistic and professional relationships among the leading masters of early Palekh. A rare surviving example of early Palekh lacquer painting by Ivan Konstantinovich Myznikov (1871–1961), a hereditary icon painter and miniature artist whose work represents the transition from traditional Russian icon painting to the newly established art of Palekh lacquer miniature. Belonging to the generation of artists that shaped the artistic identity of Palekh in the early twentieth century, Myznikov brought to lacquer painting the refined tempera technique, disciplined draughtsmanship, and spiritual depth acquired through his icon-painting training. Portrait of a Boy is an exceptionally rare example of an intimate psychological portrait from the formative years of Palekh lacquer art. Rather than focusing on the decorative fairy-tale subjects that later became synonymous with Palekh, the artist presents a remarkably sensitive and contemplative study of childhood. The young sitter is rendered with extraordinary warmth and quiet dignity. Delicate modelling of the face, restrained colour harmonies, and carefully balanced tonal transitions reveal Myznikov's exceptional command of egg tempera and his profound understanding of traditional icon-painting techniques. Transparent layers of paint create a convincing sense of volume while preserving the luminous quality characteristic of early Palekh works. The age-related craquelure and areas of paint loss bear witness to the panel's authenticity and historical significance. Despite these condition issues, the central image retains its remarkable expressive power and emotional presence. This work offers a rare glimpse into a less familiar aspect of early Palekh— one rooted not only in decorative brilliance but also in profound human observation, where the centuries-old tempera tradition is combined with a deeply personal approach to portraiture. Collecting & Investment Potential Works by Ivan Konstantinovich Myznikov from the 1920s rank among the rarest surviving examples of early Palekh lacquer art and are highly regarded by collectors and museums alike. The present panel is distinguished by its early date, its provenance from the Golikov family memorial collection, its intimate psychological character, and its association with one of the artists who helped establish the artistic foundations of twentieth-century Palekh. Comparable works from this formative period seldom appear on the international art market and are predominantly preserved in museum collections. Portrait of a Boy represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a historically significant work that embodies the transition from the icon-painting tradition to the emergence of Palekh lacquer miniature as one of Russia's most celebrated artistic schools.