Gauntlet Gallery — Cope2 Print Index
New York City Subway Map IV
Summary
"New York City Subway Map IV" is a 2019 first-edition giclee by Cope2, printed on 290gsm Moab fine art paper at 17 x 24 inches. As the fourth installment of his subway-map series, it lays Cope2's tags and lettering over the recognizable New York transit diagram.
Why It Matters
This print marks an earlier point in the subway-map sequence that would extend to at least "VII" by 2023, making it a foundational entry for series collectors. The map motif is among Cope2's most identifiable formats, uniting the city's design heritage with his graffiti hand.
Collector Perspective
Sequence-minded collectors value early roman numerals, and "IV" anchors the middle of the run's development. The 17 x 24 format is a comfortable, frameable size. Confirm signature and numbering; because the series spans multiple years, matching editions across the sequence is part of the collecting appeal.
Historical Context
By 2019 Cope2 had established the subway map as a recurring canvas, an homage to the trains and system where graffiti's golden age unfolded. Painting over the map fuses the culture's history with one of New York's most famous pieces of information design.
FAQ
Where does it fall in the series?
It is the fourth entry, "IV," in Cope2's NYC Subway Map series.
What are the dimensions?
17 x 24 inches on 290gsm Moab fine art paper.
Is it signed?
These first-edition series prints are issued signed and numbered by the artist.
How does it relate to later editions?
It precedes later entries such as "NYC Subway Map VII" from 2023.
About the Artist
Cope2 (Fernando Carlo, born 1968 in the Bronx, New York) is a graffiti writer who began tagging New York City subway trains in the late 1970s. A veteran of the transit-era writing scene, he built his reputation through prolific throw-ups and bombing before transitioning to gallery work and canvases. His signature bubble-lettered tag has appeared worldwide, and he has collaborated with brands including Adidas, Time magazine, and Converse. Cope2 remains an active figure bridging old-school New York graffiti culture with the contemporary urban-art market.
Collecting Cope2 at Gauntlet Gallery
What should I look for when buying a Cope2 print?
Focus on hand-signed and numbered screen prints or giclees, ideally released through recognized publishers or the artist directly. Check the edition size, the pencil signature, and any embossed or blindstamp marks. Spray-painted originals on canvas or found objects command higher prices but require closer provenance review. At Gauntlet Gallery, each Cope2 piece is documented with its edition details and condition notes.
How is a Cope2 work authenticated?
Cope2 works are typically authenticated through the issuing publisher's certificate of authenticity, the hand signature, and traceable provenance from a gallery or the artist's studio. Because his tag has been widely imitated, matching a signed print to a documented edition is the most reliable path. Gauntlet Gallery pairs each work with its supporting documentation and does not claim any third-party authority the artist does not use.
What drives value in Cope2 works?
Value is driven by medium (unique spray-painted originals over open editions), edition scarcity, condition, and cultural significance tied to his subway-era history. Early or historically documented pieces and notable brand collaborations carry premiums. Signed, numbered, low-edition prints in excellent condition hold value best on the secondary market.