Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Cleon Peterson Print Index
Trump 2017 (Gold)
Summary
"Trump 2017 (Gold)" is a large 36 x 27.5-inch hand-pulled black-and-gold screen print on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges, signed and numbered in an edition of 175. Peterson places himself center-stage within a diagram of political corruption, releasing the work as a scathing satirical response to the incoming administration and a warning of democratic decline.
Why It Matters
This is Peterson's most overtly political and self-referential print, accompanied by his own biting statement on power and corruption. The explicit topical content, large format, and 175-count self-released edition make it a documentary artifact of a specific cultural moment, distinguishing it sharply from his more allegorical gold-series compositions.
Collector Perspective
Named, dated political prints occupy a distinct niche: they attract collectors of protest art and topical satire alongside Peterson's core following. The overt subject can polarize buyers, but the artist's inclusion of himself and his released manifesto add narrative depth. Large-format condition, signature, and edition number are the key acquisition checks.
Historical Context
Released around the 2017 U.S. presidential inauguration, this print channels Peterson's cynicism about authority into direct political commentary, invoking his grandfather's line about a world of idiots and gangsters. It joins a wave of artist responses to the era, using the gilded frieze aesthetic to satirize what he frames as a slide toward totalitarianism.
FAQ
Why does Peterson appear in this print?
He placed himself center-stage within a diagram of political corruption as a satirical self-inscription, framing the work as his personal response to the incoming administration.
How large is "Trump 2017 (Gold)"?
It is one of his larger prints at 36 x 27.5 inches, hand-pulled in black and gold on 290gsm Coventry Rag with deckled edges.
What is the edition size?
The edition is limited to 175 impressions, each signed and numbered by the artist.
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.