Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
End Of Empire, Kantharos (Black)
Summary
A 2018 self-released screen print in a horizontal 12 x 19 inch format, hand-pulled in black and white and editioned to 150 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. The Kantharos (Black) borrows its name from the ancient Greek two-handled drinking cup, casting Peterson's figures within a vessel form tied to ritual and revelry.
Why It Matters
As a companion within the End Of Empire series, the Kantharos extends Peterson's strategy of housing modern brutality inside the iconography of classical ceramics. The kantharos, associated with Dionysus and communal drinking, adds a layer of decadence to the empire theme, making the work a meaningful reference point for collectors mapping the series' vessel motifs.
Collector Perspective
The landscape orientation and monochrome treatment set this apart from Peterson's dominant red-and-black output, giving it a restrained, frieze-like quality. Printed on heavyweight Coventry Rag with deckled edges and issued in an edition of 150, hand-signed and numbered, it sits in the approachable range of his self-published editions.
Historical Context
Produced in 2018 alongside its Lekythos counterpart, the Kantharos belongs to Peterson's ongoing meditation on the collapse of civilizations. Drawing on his study of Greek and Roman visual culture, the series reframes contemporary conflict through antiquity, a throughline that has defined his editioned work throughout the late 2010s.
FAQ
What is a kantharos?
A kantharos is an ancient Greek two-handled drinking cup associated with ritual and the god Dionysus, referenced in Peterson's classical series.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 12 x 19 inches in a horizontal orientation.
Is it part of a larger series?
Yes. It belongs to Peterson's End Of Empire series, which names works after ancient Greek vessel forms.
How large is the edition?
It is a limited edition of 150, each hand-signed and numbered.
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.