Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
By The Sword (First Edition)
Summary
"By The Sword" is a 2014 one-color screen print from Draw A Line, issued ready-framed at 30 x 40 cm on 300g Munken Premium White paper. The edition is limited to 40, each signed and numbered by Cleon Peterson. Its stripped single-color format renders his combative figures with graphic clarity.
Why It Matters
The title, echoing the maxim that those who live by the sword die by it, aligns directly with Peterson's meditations on violence begetting violence. As a Draw A Line publication limited to just 40 impressions, it belongs to a scarce compact series. The one-color treatment situates it within his most reductive and instantly legible visual mode.
Collector Perspective
Issued ready-framed, this print offers turnkey presentation but warrants inspection of the sheet within the frame. The edition of 40 gives it real scarcity relative to Peterson's larger self-released runs. Confirm the pencil signature and number and check the single-color registration and Munken Premium White stock for even, unblemished printing.
Historical Context
This is part of Draw A Line's 2014 group of small ready-framed Peterson editions, a companion to "Eye For Eye" in scale, format, and edition size. These publisher collaborations broadened access to his imagery during a period of growing demand. The martial title extends the vocabulary of retribution and consequence central to his broader practice.
FAQ
How large is the edition?
It is a limited edition of 40, signed and numbered by Cleon Peterson.
Is it framed?
Yes, it was issued ready-framed at 30 x 40 cm (11.8 x 15.7 inches).
Who is the publisher?
It was published by Draw A Line in 2014.
What paper stock is it on?
It is a one-color screen print on 300g Munken Premium White paper.
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.