Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Ends Justify The Means
Work Summary & Collector Notes
The Ends Justify The Means is a 2019 hand-pulled screen print, 28 x 28 inches square, on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in a limited edition of 100 at a debut price of $150, each impression is signed and numbered. The proverbial title frames Peterson's imagery as a meditation on ruthless pragmatism.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Limited edition of 100. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
By adopting a maxim long used to rationalize brutality, the title exposes the logic Peterson's figures embody, power that excuses any cruelty in pursuit of its goals. It transforms the square composition into a critique of expedient morality, a theme that runs through his entire body of confrontational work.
Collector Perspective
Matching its companion square prints from 2019, this edition of 100 in the 28-inch format offers a substantial, gallery-ready presence. The pointed philosophical title broadens its appeal among collectors of politically engaged graphics. Verify signature, numbering, and deckled edges; inspect the large sheet for creases or corner wear before acquisition.
Historical Context
Part of Peterson's 2019 self-released output, this print pairs his aggressive figuration with a title drawn from centuries of debate over ethical means and ends. It reflects his consistent strategy of using loaded language to frame images of domination as indictments of the ideologies that justify them.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2019
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print; catalog dimensions 28 x 28 inches; Hand pulled screen print; printed on 290gsm Coventry Rag paper with deckled edges.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Limited edition of 100.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Cleon Peterson's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Part of Peterson's 2019 self-released output, this print pairs his aggressive figuration with a title drawn from centuries of debate over ethical means and ends. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2019 and attributes the edition to Cleon Peterson (Self Released).
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Cleon Peterson (Self Released). That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Cleon Peterson — official site — Cleon Peterson studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Cleon Peterson — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Cleon Peterson (Q124215748) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
What does the title convey?
It adopts a maxim used to justify ruthless action, framing the imagery as a critique of the logic that excuses cruelty in pursuit of a goal.
What is the edition size?
A limited edition of 100, each signed and numbered.
What are the dimensions and paper?
28 x 28 inches on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges.
Who released it and when?
Self-released by Cleon Peterson in 2019.
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