Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
End Of Empire, Amphora (Black)
Summary
End Of Empire, Amphora (Black) (2018) is a hand-pulled black-and-white screen print measuring 18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in an edition of 150, signed and numbered, it belongs to Peterson's End Of Empire series, which stages his figures on the forms of ancient Greek vessels.
Why It Matters
The End Of Empire series makes Peterson's debt to Greek black-figure pottery explicit by naming his prints after vessel types. The amphora, a storage jar central to ancient life, becomes a canvas for imperial collapse. The strict black-and-white palette heightens the archaeological, ceramic illusion.
Collector Perspective
As part of a named vessel series (Amphora, Aryballos, Kylix), this print appeals to collectors assembling a themed set. The black colorway and 150 edition make it one of the more attainable series entries. Its explicit classical reference gives it strong art-historical resonance for framing alongside its siblings.
Historical Context
Dating to 2018, End Of Empire foregrounds the ancient Mediterranean source of Peterson's silhouetted combat scenes. By titling the work after an amphora and evoking imperial decline, the artist links contemporary violence to the fall of past civilizations, a central conceit of the series.
FAQ
What is an amphora?
An ancient Greek two-handled storage vessel; Peterson names the print after it to invoke classical pottery.
Is this part of a series?
Yes, the End Of Empire series, which also includes Aryballos and Kylix vessel forms.
What colors are used?
Black and white, reinforcing the ceramic, black-figure illusion.
What are the edition and size?
Edition of 150, 18 x 24 inches, signed and numbered on 290gsm Coventry Rag.
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.