Gargantua (Salabanov) - A black and white drawing of a cathedral

The art of Palekh is a part of the world culture. Lacquer miniature which appeared in the beginning of the 20th century oil the basis of old Russian painting brought Palekh a world fame. Before that for 3 centuries Palekh was known in Russia as one of the great centers of icon-painting. After the revolution of 1917, because of persecution religion, former painters started to look for new jobs where they could use their experience. The decision was found thanks to a unique talent of Ivan Golikov and a talent for organisation of his brother-in-law A. Glazunov. Using experience of Lukutino miniature and art traditions of old Russian painting, Golikov started to create miniatures. His charming and original works fascinated his former colleagues. Even their first works found a broad response among experts and public in Russia and abroad. First exhibitions of Palekh in Paris and Venice made a sensation. Golikov's miniatures, in spite of their small size, expressed a spirit of time rather well. His couples, troika driving, rendezvous, dances, battles, beautiful in form and colour, were full of dynamic rhythm, reflecting the time of rapid changes.