Bidspirit auction | Zakhariy Alekseevich Khokhlov (1925–2007)

Zakhariy Alekseevich Khokhlov (1925–2007) - “Troika”. Palekh, USSR, 1948. Paper, tempera. 28 by 19 cm. Condition report: Good condition considering the age of the work. Minor traces of age, light surface wear, small stains, and slight edge deformations are visible. The paint layer remains well preserved. An inscription by Nikolai Golikov is present on the reverse. Provenance From the Golikov family collection (Palekh). It was given to Nikolai Ivanovich Golikov as a gift by the artist in 1948. This rare early work by Zakhariy Khokhlov, titled “Troika, ” was created in 1948 during the artist’s studies at the Palekh Art School and is of particular importance as an example of the formation of his artistic language. The composition depicts a rapidly moving troika with driver and passengers. Motion is conveyed through the decorative rhythm characteristic of the Palekh school: elongated horse silhouettes, flowing harness lines, and swirling ornamental clouds create a vivid sensation of speed and fairy-tale dynamism. Despite its intimate scale, the work possesses strong emotional energy and a vivid sense of movement. The work belongs to the artist’s early creative period and reflects the traditions of the famous Palekh artistic dynasty from which he originated. The composition demonstrates how the traditions of Palekh lacquer miniature painting were adapted into an independent graphic work. Its early date (1948) is especially important, as it was created while the artist was still studying under A.V. Kotukhin at the Palekh Art School. Artist Biography Zakhariy Alekseevich Khokhlov was born in 1925 in Palekh into a hereditary family of artists. He was the son of the noted painter A.V. Khokhlov. From 1944 to 1949 he studied at the Palekh Art School under A.V. Kotukhin. Beginning in 1949, he worked at the Palekh Artists’ Association. The principal themes of his work included Russian folklore, literary subjects, fairy-tale and epic compositions. Works by Zakhariy Khokhlov are held in the collection of the State Museum of Palekh Art. Collecting & Investment Potential Early works by Zakhariy Khokhlov from the late 1940s are exceptionally rare, particularly pieces from his student and early independent period. Works of this caliber are highly sought after by collectors of Russian decorative art, Palekh scholars, and museum collections. “Troika” is a rare early work by Zakhariy Khokhlov in which the defining features of his mature Palekh style are already visible: decorative dynamism, refined linear rhythm, and the poetic atmosphere of Russian fairy-tale imagery.