Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
The Sublime (Black & White)
Summary
The Sublime (Black & White) is a 2020 hand-pulled black screen print in a large 36 x 36 inch square format, on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges. Self-released in a limited edition of 75 at a debut price of $275, each impression is signed and numbered, presenting Peterson's imagery at monumental scale.
Why It Matters
The square 36-inch format and reduced monochrome palette push Peterson's work toward the graphic and iconic rather than the purely narrative. Titled around the concept of the sublime, it engages the aesthetic tradition of awe and terror, offering a more conceptually ambitious frame for his recurring figures of power.
Collector Perspective
At just 75 impressions and the largest square format in this group, The Sublime is among the more desirable pieces here. Scale and lower edition size drive its appeal for serious collectors. The Coventry Rag stock and deckled edges reward close inspection; verify signature, number, and that the large sheet is free of handling creases.
Historical Context
Released in 2020 alongside Peterson's more overtly political prints, this work leans into formal and conceptual concerns rather than topical messaging. The invocation of the sublime connects his flat, brutal graphic style to a longer art-historical lineage of works that stage overwhelming force and human smallness.
FAQ
What makes this print stand out in Peterson's catalog?
Its large 36 x 36 inch square format and edition of only 75 make it one of the more monumental and scarce self-released works from 2020.
What paper is used?
290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, a heavyweight cotton stock.
How many impressions exist?
A limited edition of 75, each signed and numbered.
What was the original release price?
It debuted at $275, reflecting its larger scale relative to the smaller-format prints.
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.