Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
End Of Empire, Lekythos (White)
Summary
A 2018 self-released hand-pulled screen print in a vertical 18 x 10 inch format, editioned to 150 and printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Rendered in stark black and white, the Lekythos (White) draws its title from the ancient Greek vessel form, framing Peterson's clashing silhouettes within the language of classical antiquity.
Why It Matters
The End Of Empire series is central to Peterson's project of mapping contemporary violence onto the visual grammar of Greek and Roman art. By naming the work after a lekythos, an oil vessel tied to funerary ritual, Peterson binds his figures to a lineage of mortality and civic decline, making the print a keystone reference for collectors tracing his antiquity motifs.
Collector Perspective
The black-and-white palette and tall proportions distinguish this from Peterson's more common red-and-black works, giving it a graphic austerity that appeals to collectors of his monochrome output. An edition of 150 on premium Coventry Rag with deckled edges, hand-signed and numbered, places it firmly in the accessible tier of his self-released prints.
Historical Context
Released in 2018 during a prolific stretch of Peterson's studio editions, the work reflects his sustained engagement with imperial themes following his large public commissions. The End Of Empire title situates it within a body of work responding to political turbulence of the late 2010s, reframed through the fall-of-empire narratives of the ancient world.
FAQ
Is this print signed and numbered?
Yes. Each print in the edition of 150 is hand-signed and numbered by Cleon Peterson.
What paper is it printed on?
It is hand-pulled on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges, a heavyweight archival cotton stock.
How does the White version differ from other End Of Empire prints?
This Lekythos edition is printed in black and white in a vertical 18 x 10 inch format, distinguishing it from Peterson's red-and-black works.
What does 'Lekythos' refer to?
A lekythos is an ancient Greek vessel used for oils and often associated with funerary rites, tying the work to Peterson's classical antiquity motifs.
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.