Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
El Mescalero
Summary
El Mescalero (2018) is a drypoint etching (punta seca) measuring 49 x 38 cm, in an edition of 33, signed and numbered. It introduces a new Retna 'Brimstone' character named El Mescalero and was noted as his first etching in this vein at release.
Why It Matters
Etching is a comparatively rare medium in Retna's output, which is dominated by screenprints and lithographs. As a debut drypoint tied to a named character, this work documents an expansion of both his technique and his personal iconography, making it notable to collectors tracking his medium range.
Collector Perspective
The small edition of 33 and the intimate 49 x 38 cm scale give this an object-like, print-connoisseur appeal distinct from his large statement pieces. Drypoint's characteristic burr and plate mark are part of its value; inspect for the crisp intaglio impression alongside the signature and numbering.
Historical Context
The 'Brimstone' character and El Mescalero name reflect Retna's narrative and Southwestern references. His turn to punta seca in 2018 shows an artist deliberately engaging traditional intaglio methods, further connecting his street-derived script to historical printmaking disciplines.
FAQ
What is punta seca?
Punta seca is drypoint, an intaglio technique where the plate is incised directly with a needle, producing a soft, velvety line from the raised burr.
Who is El Mescalero?
El Mescalero is a Retna 'Brimstone' character; this print was described as the first etching introducing that figure.
How large is the edition?
An edition of 33, each signed and numbered, at 49 x 38 cm.
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.