Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Bluestone
Summary
Bluestone (2017) is a one-color stone lithograph printed on a Marinoni lithographic press and hand-cut, on BFK Rives 300 gsm. In a tiny edition of 12 at 109 x 80 cm, it is signed and numbered by the artist, rendering his script in a single blue tone at large scale.
Why It Matters
An edition of only 12 places Bluestone among Retna's rarest large-format prints. The single-color stone-lithograph approach emphasizes the pure architecture of his alphabet, stripped of polychrome distraction, and the near-110 cm scale gives that line commanding presence.
Collector Perspective
At just 12 impressions, availability is severely limited and each example is a connoisseur-grade object. Stone lithography yields a distinctive granular surface; verify the signature and numbering and inspect the plate quality. Bluestone reads as a color-paired counterpart to the same-format Blackstone.
Historical Context
Printed on stone via Marinoni press, Bluestone exemplifies Retna's most traditional printmaking mode. The single-color, monumental format reflects his 2017 atelier work, where his graffiti-derived script was treated with the gravity of historical European lithography.
FAQ
How rare is Bluestone?
It is a stone lithograph in an edition of just 12, among Retna's scarcest large-format prints.
How many colors is it?
One color, a single blue tone printed on stone, emphasizing the structure of the script.
Is it related to Blackstone?
Yes, it shares the same 109 x 80 cm format and edition of 12, functioning as a color-paired counterpart.
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.