Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Dark Rider (Gold)
Summary
The Dark Rider (Gold) is a 2022 hand-pulled screen print in an edition of 75, self-released by Cleon Peterson. Printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges at 19 x 28 inches, the gold colorway lends the menacing rider imagery a burnished, almost heraldic weight. Each impression is signed and numbered by the artist.
Why It Matters
The rider is a potent archetype in Peterson's vocabulary, evoking conquest, apocalypse, and unchecked force. Rendered in gold, the figure gains an ominous ceremonial grandeur that complicates the violence at its core. The edition of 75 keeps availability tight for a subject that speaks directly to his central preoccupation with power.
Collector Perspective
Gold colorways are frequently sought within Peterson's editions for their tactile richness and display presence under gallery light. The portrait orientation and mid-scale dimensions make it approachable for framing. As a signed, numbered self-release of 75, it appeals to collectors targeting his more iconographically loaded single figures.
Historical Context
Peterson's silhouetted figures descend from a lineage that spans ancient Greek vase painting to modern woodcut, all bent toward depicting human aggression. The mounted rider recurs across his practice as a symbol of dominion. This 2022 self-release continues his approach of controlling both production and distribution outside a formal publisher.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The edition is limited to 75 hand-pulled screen prints, each signed and numbered.
What colorway is this?
This is the Gold colorway, one variant within The Dark Rider release.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 19 x 28 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
Who released it?
It was self-released by Cleon Peterson in 2022.
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.