Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Return (Sculpture)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
The Return is a 2022 blackened bronze sculpture published by Avant Arte, measuring 30.7 x 35 x 11.8 cm on an aluminum base. It renders Peterson's recurring horseback warrior in three dimensions, translating his flat, hard-edged figuration into sleek sculptural form. The piece extends his epic battle imagery into a collectible object.
Collector notes: First Edition; saved release record states an edition size of 25. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
Moving from print to bronze marks a significant expansion of Peterson's practice, giving his archetypal warrior physical presence. The horse-and-rider motif, drawn from histories of conquest, embodies humankind's instinct for domination, the artist's central subject. Published by Avant Arte, it carries the production standards of a leading contemporary-editions house.
Collector Perspective
A blackened bronze on an aluminum base is a materially serious object, and Avant Arte's publishing pedigree adds provenance weight. Sculptures occupy a higher tier than Peterson's paper editions, appealing to collectors seeking depth in a holding. Its compact scale and dark finish make it a striking centerpiece for display alongside his prints.
Historical Context
The horseback warrior is an enduring symbol of conquest across art history, from equestrian monuments to battle friezes. Peterson invokes it to expose the romantic fantasy of returning to an idealized past, warning of its destructive pull. Avant Arte's 2022 edition brought his critique into sculpture, a medium that lends his archetypes lasting material form.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned sculpture / object
- Release date
- 2022
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Sculpture | Bronze; catalog dimensions 30.7 x 35 x 11.8 cm.
- Edition details
- First Edition; saved release record states an edition size of 25.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering 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: No per-work artist statement is recorded for this edition. Any thematic reading should be treated as interpretation of the imagery, not a documented statement of the artist's intent. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2022 and attributes the edition to Avant Arte.
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 Avant Arte. 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 material is the sculpture made from?
It is a blackened bronze sculpture mounted on an aluminum base.
Who published it?
It was published by Avant Arte, a contemporary art editions house.
What does the imagery depict?
It portrays Peterson's recurring horseback warrior, a symbol of conquest and humankind's instinct for domination.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 30.7 x 35 x 11.8 cm.
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