Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Ludavico & Ludovico (Blue & Pink)
Summary
Ludavico & Ludovico (Blue & Pink) is a 2018 two-color stone lithograph on BFK Rives 300 gsm, printed on a Marinoni lithographic press and hand-cut. In an edition of 33 at 117.5 x 79.5 cm, it is signed, named, and numbered by the artist, presenting his paired-title composition in a blue-and-pink colorway.
Why It Matters
Stone lithography at this scale, in an edition of only 33, marks this as a serious atelier work rather than a commercial print. The doubled title and two-color palette suggest a mirrored or paired reading of Retna's script. The artist naming the edition on the sheet adds an unusual layer of documentation.
Collector Perspective
The large near-120 cm dimension and low edition of 33 give this strong wall impact and genuine scarcity. The blue-and-pink colorway differentiates it within any paired-variation set. Verify the artist's signature, the written edition name, and the numbering, all of which should appear on the sheet.
Historical Context
Retna frequently doubles or pairs titles, and Ludavico & Ludovico plays on that mirroring. Printed on stone via Marinoni press, it reflects his sustained 2010s collaboration with European ateliers that translated his graffiti-rooted alphabet into museum-grade lithography.
FAQ
Why is the title doubled?
Retna often pairs or mirrors titles; the doubled name here echoes the two-color, paired structure of the composition.
How is it authenticated?
The artist signed, named, and numbered the edition on the sheet, a three-part inscription.
How rare is it?
It is an edition of 33 stone lithographs, placing it among Retna's scarcer large-format prints.
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.