Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Burning City (Day)
Summary
The Burning City (Day), 2023, is a large square 36 x 36 inch hand-pulled screen print by Cleon Peterson, self-released in a signed and numbered edition of 75 on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. The Day variant stages urban catastrophe in bright, unflinching contrast across a monumental sheet.
Why It Matters
The burning city is one of Peterson's most direct images of civic collapse, distilling his themes of disorder and destruction into a single searing scene. At 36 x 36 inches the square format reads as a wall-scaled tableau. The Day treatment exposes the chaos in full light rather than veiling it in shadow.
Collector Perspective
A 36 x 36 inch square is a bold centerpiece that rewards professional framing and open wall space. Its overt narrative of a city in flames makes it one of the most legible and impactful works in the 2023 series. At an edition of 75 on premium rag, it appeals to collectors seeking a statement acquisition.
Historical Context
Images of burning and besieged cities carry a long art-historical lineage, from apocalyptic painting to war reportage, which Peterson channels through his modern graphic idiom. This composition extends his ongoing narrative of societal breakdown. It belongs to the 2023 self-released catalog, distributed directly to collectors on heavyweight stock.
FAQ
What is the format?
A large square sheet measuring 36 x 36 inches.
What is the edition size?
A signed and numbered edition of 75.
What does the Day variant indicate?
It is the brighter-toned colorway of the composition.
What paper is it printed 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.