Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
End Of Empire
Summary
End Of Empire, 2015, is a hand-pulled red-and-black screen print measuring 28 x 28 inches on 250gsm White Coventry Rag, signed and numbered in an edition of 150 and self-released. Its large square format and two-color palette give Peterson's imagery of collapse and violence a bold, banner-like intensity.
Why It Matters
The red-and-black combination is one of Peterson's most charged palettes, evoking blood and shadow, and at 28 x 28 inches this is among his larger self-released prints. The title's theme of imperial collapse aligns his personal iconography with the sweep of history, making it one of the more thematically ambitious works in his 2015 output.
Collector Perspective
Scale and color drive this print's appeal: the large square format and the aggressive red-and-black scheme make it a commanding wall piece. On archival Coventry Rag with a signed edition of 150, it balances presence with accessibility, and its resonant title gives it staying power among Peterson's more decorative smaller works.
Historical Context
Self-released in 2015, End Of Empire channels Peterson's fascination with the rise and fall of civilizations and the violence that accompanies power's decline. The two-color treatment and monumental format echo propaganda-poster traditions, reinforcing the work's meditation on societal breakdown that runs throughout his practice.
FAQ
What colors are used?
It is a two-color print in red and black on white paper.
What are the dimensions?
28 x 28 inches, among his larger self-released prints.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 150.
What paper is it on?
250gsm White 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.