Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
End Of Empire, Aryballos (Black)
Summary
End Of Empire, Aryballos (Black) (2018) is a hand-pulled black-and-white screen print in a compact square 16 x 16 inch format on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in an edition of 150, signed and numbered, it names itself after the aryballos, a small ancient Greek oil flask.
Why It Matters
The intimate 16 x 16 square echoes the small scale of the aryballos vessel it references, a thoughtful match of format to subject. Within the End Of Empire series it provides scale variety, contrasting with the larger amphora and elongated kylix panels. Black-and-white keeps the classical ceramic illusion intact.
Collector Perspective
Its smaller square format makes this the most space-friendly entry in the series, ideal for tighter walls or grouped hangs. At 150 impressions it is readily accessible, and its size difference adds visual rhythm when displayed with the other End Of Empire panels. Deckled edges and pencil signature are standard verification points.
Historical Context
An aryballos held perfumed oil in ancient Greece, often carried by athletes. Peterson's choice to name a 2018 print after this small vessel deepens the series' engagement with antiquity, casting everyday objects of a lost empire as vehicles for his meditation on decline and violence.
FAQ
What is an aryballos?
A small ancient Greek flask for perfumed oil; the print's compact square format nods to the vessel's size.
Why is this print square?
Its 16 x 16 inch format is the smallest in the series, echoing the intimate scale of the aryballos.
How many were printed?
An edition of 150, each signed and numbered.
What is the palette?
Black and white on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges.
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.