Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Blackstone
Summary
Blackstone (2017) is a one-color stone lithograph printed on a Marinoni lithographic press and hand-cut, on BFK Rives 300 gsm. In an edition of 12 at 109 x 80 cm, signed and numbered by the artist, it presents his coded script in a single black tone at monumental scale.
Why It Matters
With just 12 impressions, Blackstone ranks among Retna's rarest large prints. The monochrome stone-lithograph treatment foregrounds the pure calligraphic structure of his alphabet, and the near-110 cm sheet gives that line a bold, architectural weight.
Collector Perspective
At 12 examples, this is a scarce, connoisseur-level acquisition. The stone matrix produces a rich, granular black; confirm signature, numbering, and print quality. As the black counterpart to Bluestone, it invites pairing, and a matched two-work set carries added appeal.
Historical Context
Marinoni-press stone lithography aligns Blackstone with the most traditional end of Retna's practice. Produced in 2017 alongside its blue sibling, it reflects his atelier period of treating his street-rooted script with the discipline of historical fine-art printmaking.
FAQ
What distinguishes Blackstone from Bluestone?
They share format and edition size; Blackstone is printed in a single black tone, Bluestone in blue, making them color-paired counterparts.
How scarce is it?
It is an edition of 12 stone lithographs, one of Retna's rarest large-format works.
How was it printed?
As a one-color stone lithograph on a Marinoni press, then hand-cut, on BFK Rives 300 gsm.
About the Artist
RETNA (Marquis Lewis, born 1979 in Los Angeles) is an American artist known for a distinctive invented script that fuses graffiti, calligraphy, and historical alphabets including Egyptian hieroglyphs, Arabic, and blackletter. He rose from the LA street-art scene and gained wide recognition in the 2010s through gallery exhibitions and public murals. His hybrid typographic style has led to collaborations with brands and institutions, and his large-scale text-based canvases have been shown internationally. RETNA's coded lettering remains his signature, treated as a personal, largely illegible language.
Collecting Retna at Gauntlet Gallery
What should I look for when buying a RETNA print?
Look for signed and numbered screen prints from documented releases, noting the edition size, paper, and any embossed publisher marks. RETNA's dense script prints are popular, so verify that the signature and numbering match the known edition. Original paintings require thorough provenance. Gauntlet Gallery lists edition details and condition for each RETNA work offered.
How are RETNA works authenticated?
Authentication rests on the publisher's certificate of authenticity, the hand signature, and a clear ownership trail from a gallery, auction house, or the studio. Comparing the print to its published edition specifications is key. Gauntlet Gallery documents each piece with its available paperwork and provenance rather than relying on any authority the artist does not endorse.
What drives value in RETNA's work?
Unique canvases and hand-embellished works sit at the top of the market, followed by low-edition signed prints in strong condition. Value reflects scale, complexity of the script composition, exhibition history, and provenance. Well-preserved, fully documented pieces from recognized editions retain value most reliably.