Gauntlet Gallery — Retna Print Index
Un Dicho
Summary
Un Dicho, 2009, is a three-color full-bleed screenprint in metallic black, metallic silver, and metallic red on Stonehenge 250gsm 100% cotton archival paper, measuring 22 x 30 inches in an edition of 50, signed and numbered. The all-metallic palette gives the lettering a reflective sheen.
Why It Matters
Un Dicho's three-metallic-ink palette and full-bleed printing distinguish it visually from RETNA's standard-ink editions. Printed on Stonehenge cotton and signed and numbered in an edition of 50, it is a well-crafted early work. The full-bleed format lets the script run edge to edge across the sheet.
Collector Perspective
The metallic black, silver, and red inks make Un Dicho a visually striking yet accessible entry at an edition of 50. Full-bleed printing means margins are minimal, so collectors should assess edge condition carefully. Confirm the signature and number and inspect the metallic surface for handling marks.
Historical Context
Made in 2009, Un Dicho — Spanish for 'a saying' — continues RETNA's pattern of Spanish titles and text-driven composition. The metallic palette and full-bleed approach reflect the experimentation of his early editions before his work reached wider international markets.
FAQ
What colors are used?
Three metallic inks: metallic black, metallic silver, and metallic red.
What does the title mean?
'Un Dicho' translates from Spanish as 'a saying.'
What is the edition size?
The edition is 50, signed and numbered.
What paper is it printed on?
Stonehenge 250gsm 100% cotton archival paper, printed full-bleed.
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.