Bidspirit auction | Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011)

Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov (1924–2011) - Box “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”. Palekh, USSR, 1992. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, gold highlights, lacquer. The signature “N. Golikov. 92.” together with the inscription “Palekh” confirms the fully autograph nature of the work. 17 by 14 cm. Condition report: Minor traces of use. Well-preserved lacquer surface and painted decoration. Provenance: The work originates directly from the memorial collection of Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov. It was created in 1992, during the artist’s late mature period, when his style achieved exceptional decorative refinement and painterly freedom. The work belongs to Golikov’s celebrated Pushkin cycle - one of the most important directions within his artistic legacy. His compositions based on the works of Alexander Pushkin occupy a central place in museum and private collections of Palekh art and are regarded as among the finest examples of Russian lacquer miniature painting of the late 20th century. An elegant multi-figure composition inspired by The Tale of Tsar Saltan , conceived as a theatrical scene with a carefully balanced rhythm of figures and decorative landscape. In the foreground appears Prince Gvidon beside a white horse. His figure is rendered with Golikov’s characteristic plastic grace and inner elegance. At the center stand three female figures near a fantastical gilded architectural portal resembling a fairy-tale stage set. To the right appears a majestic richly dressed figure, possibly Tsar Saltan or a royal envoy. The composition possesses remarkable harmony: the figures seem to move in a slow fairy-tale rhythm, while the surrounding landscape transforms into a precious decorative garden. This lacquer box belongs to Golikov’s mature late period, when the artist increasingly pursued decorative unity and lyrical intimacy. Collecting & Investment Potential: Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov is recognized as one of the leading Palekh masters of the twentieth century, a People’s Artist of the RSFSR whose works are preserved in major Russian museum collections. Golikov’s lacquer boxes based on Pushkin’s works remain among the most desirable objects in the field of Russian lacquer art collecting and rarely remain long on the market. The Tale of Tsar Saltan is a refined and lyrical work from Golikov’s late period, in which Pushkin’s poetic world is transformed into an elegant vision through the classical language of Palekh miniature painting.