Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
New York City Subway Map
Work Summary & Collector Notes
The original New York City Subway Map, from 2014, is a 17 x 24 inch archival pigment print on 310gsm fine art paper in an edition of 75. Cope2's note describes it as a print made from an original subway map piece he created and collaborated on, translating a physical map-based work into an accessible edition.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition Size: 75. 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
This is the founding image of Cope2's subway map series, preceding the 2017 second version. Building a print from an actual painted map connects the edition directly to a unique original and to the transit system that launched his career, giving the piece unusual documentary and biographical depth.
Collector Perspective
As the first subway map release and priced accessibly, this print carries series-origin significance that later versions echo. Edition of 75 keeps it available. Collectors valuing the lineage may prefer this original over the sequel. Confirm signature and numbering, and note its status as the foundational image of the motif.
Historical Context
Released in 2014, this print draws directly on the New York City subway, the surface where Cope2 built his 1980s reputation. Using the official map as source material reclaims a bureaucratic document from the very system that spent decades trying to erase graffiti from its trains.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print
- Release date
- 2014
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Giclee Print; catalog dimensions 24 x 17 inches; 17 x 24 Inches Archival Pigment Print on 310gsm Fine Art Paper.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition Size: 75.
- 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 Cope2'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: Released in 2014, this print draws directly on the New York City subway, the surface where Cope2 built his 1980s reputation. 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 2014 and attributes the edition to 1xRUN.
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 1xRUN. 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.
- Cope2 — official site — Cope2 studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Cope2 — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Cope2 (Q3480203) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
Is this the first subway map print?
Yes. This 2014 release is the original; a second version followed in 2017.
What was the source image?
Cope2 notes it derives from an original subway map piece he created and collaborated on.
How large is the edition?
It is an edition of 75 on 310gsm fine art paper.
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