Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Mercenaries (Gold)
Summary
"Mercenaries (Gold)" is a 2018 hand-pulled black and gold screen print measuring 28 x 38 inches, self-released by Cleon Peterson in a limited edition of 125. Printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges and signed and numbered by the artist, its larger horizontal scale suits a scene of massed figures.
Why It Matters
The gold ink lifts this print beyond straight monochrome, adding a lacquered, almost heraldic sheen to a subject about hired violence. The theme of mercenaries, figures who fight for payment rather than cause, aligns tightly with Peterson's ongoing interrogation of amoral power, making the title unusually pointed within his catalog.
Collector Perspective
At 28 x 38 inches, this is one of the larger self-released Peterson prints, and its edition of 125 keeps it scarcer than his standard 150-run sheets. The black-and-gold palette is a favored collector configuration, and the combination of size, hand signature, and archival stock gives it strong presence on the wall.
Historical Context
Self-released in 2018, "Mercenaries" reflects Peterson's continued preoccupation with organized brutality and the marketplace of force. The gold-on-black treatment connects to a broader vein in his work where precious-metal ink is used to lend ceremonial gravity to scenes of conflict, framing violence as ritual rather than aberration.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
It is a limited edition of 125, each print signed and numbered.
What colors is it printed in?
Black and gold, on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
How does its size compare to other Peterson prints?
At 28 x 38 inches it is larger than his standard 18 x 24 self-released sheets.
Who released it?
It was self-released directly by Cleon Peterson.
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.