Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Little Big Man Putin / Trump (Red)
Summary
A 2018 hand-pulled screen print from Cleon Peterson's overtly political phase, "Little Big Man Putin / Trump (Red)" renders two figures locked in a charged, ambiguous embrace. Printed in black and gold on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges, at 18 x 24 inches in an edition of 150, each sheet is signed and numbered by the artist.
Why It Matters
Peterson rarely names names. This print, part of a paired "Little Big Man" series, turns his abstract vocabulary of dominance and submission toward a specific geopolitical relationship, making it one of his most literal political statements. The pairing with the Mueller/Trump variant frames it as commentary on power, influence, and hierarchy rather than portraiture.
Collector Perspective
Self-released directly by the artist, this print exists outside the larger publisher editions, which appeals to collectors who value work issued on Peterson's own terms. The 150-count edition, deckled Coventry Rag stock, and hand signature make it a legible, well-documented entry point. Its companion piece invites diptych collecting, a natural draw for series-minded buyers.
Historical Context
Released in 2018 amid intense public scrutiny of US-Russia relations, the print sits within a wave of politically explicit street-adjacent print work. Peterson, known for stark duotone scenes of violence and authority, applies his signature graphic flatness to contemporary events, extending a lineage of artists using accessible print editions to circulate pointed social critique.
FAQ
Is this print signed and numbered?
Yes. Each of the 150 prints is hand-signed and numbered by Cleon Peterson.
Who published this edition?
It was self-released by Cleon Peterson rather than through an outside publisher.
What paper and size is it?
It is an 18 x 24 inch screen print on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Does it pair with another print?
Yes. It is a companion to "Little Big Man Mueller / Trump (Red)," issued the same year in the same format.
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.