Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Burning The Dead (Red)
Summary
"Burning The Dead (Red)" (2016) is an exceptionally wide panoramic hand-pulled screen print at 43.5 x 17 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, signed and numbered in an edition of 150. Its extreme horizontal band stages a processional scene of death and disposal, the red colorway heightening the funereal violence at the heart of the image.
Why It Matters
At 43.5 inches wide, this is one of the largest panoramic sheets in Peterson's print catalog, and the red variant marks a departure from his dominant gold register. Self-released in an edition of 150, its scale and alternate colorway make it a standout for collectors seeking his most ambitious horizontal compositions.
Collector Perspective
The near-four-foot width makes framing, shipping, and storage significant considerations, but that same scale gives the print rare commanding presence. The red colorway differentiates it from the gold series and appeals to collectors wanting variety. Edition number, pencil signature, and the integrity of the very long deckled sheet are the key condition points.
Historical Context
"Burning The Dead" extends Peterson's frieze-inspired panoramas into the subject of mass death and its aftermath, a theme resonant with both ancient funerary imagery and modern atrocity. Produced in 2016, its red palette shifts the mood from ceremonial gold toward visceral urgency, underscoring the horror the procession enacts.
FAQ
Why is this print in red?
The red colorway marks a departure from Peterson's dominant black-and-gold register, intensifying the funereal and violent mood of the scene.
How wide is it?
At 43.5 x 17 inches, it is among the widest panoramic sheets in his catalog, printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges.
How many were made?
It is a self-released limited edition of 150, each signed and numbered by the artist.
About the Artist
Cleon Peterson (born 1973, Seattle) is an American artist known for stark, high-contrast compositions depicting scenes of violence, power, and social conflict. Working primarily in a limited palette — often black on a single bold ground — he renders chaotic tableaux of figures locked in struggle, exploring themes of authority, brutality, and moral disorder in contemporary society. His graphic, almost hieroglyphic style has appeared in paintings, murals, and a substantial catalogue of signed prints, as well as collaborations spanning fashion and public art. He is based in Los Angeles.
Collecting Cleon Peterson at Gauntlet Gallery
Which Cleon Peterson works should I collect?
His signed, numbered screenprints are the core of the market, prized for their bold duotone impact. Look for clean registration and strong condition. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes complete, well-preserved impressions with documentation.
How is a Cleon Peterson piece authenticated?
We sell his works with documented provenance and the edition's signature and numbering. Each piece is photographed as-is, including signature and edition details, so you can verify before purchase.
What drives value?
Edition size, image iconicity, color scheme, condition, and provenance drive value. Low-numbered, large-format, and hand-embellished works command the strongest premiums.