Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Rule Of Law (Red)
Summary
A 2018 self-released screen print in a bold 28 x 28 inch square format, hand-pulled in black and red in a tightly limited edition of 65 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Rule Of Law (Red) turns a phrase of civic order against itself, staging authority as coercion through Peterson's clashing figures.
Why It Matters
By titling the work Rule Of Law, Peterson interrogates the gap between justice as ideal and force as reality, a core tension in his critique of authority. The small edition of 65 makes this among the scarcer of his square-format prints, giving it heightened significance for collectors of his politically pointed editions.
Collector Perspective
The edition of 65 sits well below Peterson's typical runs of 125 to 150, marking this as a comparatively scarce release. Its commanding 28 x 28 inch square scale, black-and-red palette, heavyweight Coventry Rag stock, deckled edges, and hand-numbering combine scarcity with strong wall presence.
Historical Context
Issued in 2018, Rule Of Law (Red) engages with questions of state power and legitimacy that animated the political discourse of its moment. Peterson's practice consistently probes how institutions meant to protect can instead enforce domination, a theme carried across his murals, canvases, and prints.
FAQ
How limited is this edition?
It is a limited edition of 65, scarcer than Peterson's more common runs of 125 to 150.
What size is the print?
It is a large 28 x 28 inch square screen print.
What does the title address?
'Rule Of Law' interrogates the gap between justice as an ideal and force as its reality within Peterson's critique of authority.
What paper is used?
It is hand-pulled on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
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.