Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Faile Print Index
Sub Rosa (In Black)
Summary
"Sub Rosa (In Black)" is a hand-finished edition of 26, printed in acrylic and silkscreen ink on Lenox 100 paper at 25 x 38 inches. Signed, stamped, and numbered FAILE 2012, its Latin title, meaning "under the rose" or in secret, frames the black colorway with an air of concealment.
Why It Matters
The small edition of 26 and large 38-inch format make this a scarce, imposing hand-worked print. The Latin phrase "sub rosa," historically a symbol of secrecy, lends conceptual depth beyond FAILE's usual pulp imagery, and the black colorway gives the composition a moody, graphic gravity that distinguishes it within the 2012 output.
Collector Perspective
Collectors value the low edition of 26 and the evocative sub rosa theme, which adds intellectual texture to the piece. The black treatment offers strong contrast and display impact at scale. Acrylic hand finishing individualizes each impression, and numbering out of 26 with the full FAILE mark makes authentication and comparison straightforward.
Historical Context
"Sub rosa" derives from antiquity, where the rose signified confidentiality, a motif FAILE repurposes within their symbol-laden visual language. This 2012 black edition continues the duo's habit of layering classical and religious references over vernacular imagery, using a compact hand-finished run to explore a single evocative theme.
FAQ
What does the title mean?
"Sub rosa" is Latin for "under the rose," historically meaning done in secret or confidence.
How large is the edition?
It is an edition of 26, hand-finished.
Which colorway is this?
This is the In Black version of the composition.
What are its dimensions?
The sheet measures 25 x 38 inches.
About the Artist
FAILE is a Brooklyn-based artistic collaboration founded in 1999 by Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller. Known for a distinctive collage aesthetic that blends comic-book imagery, pulp advertising, religious iconography, and street-poster typography, FAILE built its reputation through wheat-pasted works and stencils in cities worldwide. The duo is celebrated for reviving printmaking and woodblock techniques, and for immersive installations such as their prayer-wheel and temple environments. Their work has been exhibited internationally, including projects with the New York City Ballet, bridging street practice and fine-art institutions.
Collecting Faile at Gauntlet Gallery
Which FAILE works are best to collect?
FAILE's signed, numbered silkscreen editions and their hand-finished wood and mixed-media pieces are the core of the market. Screenprints from their studio releases offer an accessible entry, while unique wooden "blocks" and painted works sit at the higher end. Gauntlet Gallery focuses on complete, well-preserved impressions with strong color registration.
How is a FAILE piece authenticated?
We sell FAILE works with documented studio provenance, backed by the edition's signature and numbering. Every piece is photographed as-is, including the signature, edition number, and any studio markings, so you can confirm details before purchase.
What makes one FAILE piece worth more?
Edition size, medium (unique wood pieces over open prints), iconic imagery, condition, and provenance from a known release all drive value. Hand-embellished and one-of-a-kind works consistently outperform standard editioned prints.