Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Crawler (Gold)
Summary
"The Crawler (Gold)" (2017) is a hand-pulled black-and-gold screen print measuring 26.75 x 20 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, signed and numbered in an edition of 150. Its title figure, hunched and advancing low to the ground, captures Peterson's fascination with predatory movement and the collapse of the human form under duress.
Why It Matters
The larger sheet size distinguishes "The Crawler" from Peterson's more common mid-format editions, giving the gold ink a broader field to command. Self-released in a 150-count run, it is a strong single-figure image within his gold series and appeals to collectors who favor bold, isolated compositions over crowded battle tableaux.
Collector Perspective
Single-protagonist prints like this read powerfully on a wall and tend to hold collector interest for their graphic immediacy. The 26.75-inch dimension requires attention to framing and storage, and edge integrity on the deckled rag matters. As a self-released first edition, provenance is clean, with the pencil signature and low edition number driving desirability.
Historical Context
Peterson's crawling and lunging figures descend from his long engagement with power and submission, filtered through the black-figure vocabulary of ancient ceramics. In 2017 he leaned into the gilded palette that lets a single form dominate negative space, echoing the iconographic isolation of a saint or a beast in classical and medieval imagery.
FAQ
What does "(Gold)" indicate?
It denotes the metallic gold and black colorway of this screen print, part of Peterson's signature two-tone gold series printed on Coventry Rag paper.
How large is this print?
The sheet measures 26.75 x 20 inches, larger than many of Peterson's editions, with deckled edges on 290gsm Coventry Rag.
Is it signed?
Yes, each of the 150 impressions is hand-signed and numbered in pencil 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.