Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Rule Of Law 1 (Red)
Summary
Rule Of Law 1 (Red) is a 2022 hand-pulled screen print in an elongated 18 x 45-inch format on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges. Issued in an edition of 75 and signed and numbered, its panoramic proportions and red tonality make it one of the most visually commanding works in Peterson's 2022 group.
Why It Matters
The sweeping 45-inch width lets Peterson stage his figures in a friezelike procession, evoking the narrative registers of ancient relief carving. The red palette intensifies the aggression of the scene, and the Rule Of Law title interrogates authority and order. The format alone sets it apart from his standard portrait-oriented sheets.
Collector Perspective
At $175, this is the priciest of the 2022 paper editions, reflecting its ambitious scale. An edition of 75 on archival Coventry Rag keeps supply modest, and the panoramic format offers dramatic display potential. Signed and numbered, its width and red tonality make it a natural statement piece within a Peterson collection.
Historical Context
The horizontal frieze format connects Peterson to classical narrative art, where processions of figures unfold across a band. His Rule Of Law theme scrutinizes the systems of authority that both restrain and enable violence. The 2022 self-released editions delivered these larger, more ambitious compositions directly to a committed collector base.
FAQ
What makes this print's format distinctive?
It is an elongated 18 x 45-inch panoramic composition, far wider than Peterson's standard sheets.
What was the original release price?
It was released at $175, the highest among the 2022 paper editions.
What is the edition size?
It is a limited edition of 75, each signed and numbered.
What does the title explore?
The 'Rule Of Law' title interrogates authority and order, recurring concerns in Peterson's work.
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.