Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Sangria (First Edition)
Summary
Sangria, 2011, is a hand-pulled screenprint on Coventry rag, measuring 53 x 37.5 inches (134.62 x 95.25 cm) in an edition of 24, signed and numbered by the artist. The large vertical format lets RETNA's dense calligraphic columns build into a wall-scale composition.
Why It Matters
Hand-pulled screenprinting on heavy Coventry rag reflects the craft standards of RETNA's most collectible serigraphs. At 53 x 37.5 inches with an edition of 24, Sangria balances impressive scale against genuine scarcity. It represents the mature, gallery-grade lettering work that defined his 2011 output.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 24 on premium rag paper, at commanding scale, makes Sangria a substantial acquisition. The hand-pulled process rewards inspection of registration and ink density. Collectors should verify the artist's signature and edition number and examine the sheet edges and surface for condition.
Historical Context
Dated 2011, Sangria emerged during the breakout year that carried RETNA from Los Angeles walls into international galleries and museums. The Spanish-language title continues the artist's recurring engagement with Latin cultural references embedded within his invented script.
FAQ
How was this print made?
It is a hand-pulled screenprint on Coventry rag paper.
What is the edition size?
The edition is 24, signed and numbered by the artist.
What are the dimensions?
It measures 53 x 37.5 inches (134.62 x 95.25 cm).
Is it signed?
Yes, each impression is signed and numbered by RETNA.
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.