Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Monument To Power, Law (First Edition)
Summary
Monument To Power, Law (2019) is the first edition of one panel in Cleon Peterson's Monument To Power series, a hand-pulled black-and-red screen print measuring 18 x 24 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in an edition of 100, signed and numbered, it renders "Law" as an instrument of authority rather than justice.
Why It Matters
As part of a triptych-style trio (Law, Oppression, Corruption), this print gains meaning in dialogue with its siblings. The stripped black-and-red palette is Peterson's signature reduction of society to aggressor and blood. Titling one panel "Law" reframes institutions as monuments to power, the central thesis of the series.
Collector Perspective
Collectors often pursue all three Monument To Power panels as a set, which raises the appeal of securing any single first-edition impression. At an edition of 100, availability is moderate. The first-edition designation matters here, distinguishing original 2019 pulls from any later runs.
Historical Context
The Monument To Power series distills Peterson's long-running critique of institutional authority into three named abstractions. Emerging from his mature late-2010s studio practice, these prints translate his black-figure combat imagery into a colder, more emblematic register aimed squarely at systems of law and control.
FAQ
Is Law part of a series?
Yes. It is one of three Monument To Power panels, alongside Oppression and Corruption, and is often collected as a set.
What does 'first edition' mean here?
It identifies this as the original 2019 self-released run of 100, distinct from any subsequent printing.
What are the colors?
A two-color black-and-red screen print, Peterson's signature reductive palette.
Is it signed?
Yes, each print in the edition of 100 is 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.