Gauntlet Gallery — Ron English Print Index
Virgin Romance
Summary
"Virgin Romance" is a 2012 giclée print finished with silkscreen gloss on Somerset Enhanced Satin 330gsm paper, in an edition of 50 signed by the artist. At 70 x 50 cm, it is a substantial sheet produced during a holiday-season release from Ron English, combining archival pigment printing with a hand-applied gloss layer for added surface depth.
Why It Matters
The giclée-plus-silkscreen-gloss method is a signature of English's UK-published editions, giving flat digital prints a tactile, layered finish. "Virgin Romance" showcases that technical hallmark on premium Somerset stock, making it a representative example of how English's studio elevated reproduction into a hybrid, hand-finished object.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 50 on heavyweight Somerset paper positions this as a mid-tier English collectible with strong material quality. The silkscreen gloss overlay is a value differentiator collectors should confirm is present and intact. Signed sheets at this 70 x 50 cm scale hang well as standalone statement pieces.
Historical Context
This print emerged from English's European editioning practice, where premium papers and gloss-varnish finishing became a house standard. The 2012 holiday-season timing reflects the artist's habit of pairing releases with seasonal drops, a rhythm familiar to followers of his POPaganda output.
FAQ
What paper is Virgin Romance printed on?
Somerset Enhanced Satin 330gsm, a heavyweight archival stock.
What finishing technique is used?
A silkscreen gloss layer applied over the giclée print.
How large is the edition?
50 signed by the artist.
What are the dimensions?
70 x 50 cm.
About the Artist
Ron English is an American contemporary artist born in 1959, widely regarded as a founding figure of the "POPaganda" movement, which fuses pop art with political and cultural satire. He is known for subverting corporate advertising and cultural icons, creating characters such as MC Supersized and the three-eyed "Temper Tot," and reimagining figures like Ronald McDonald and cartoon mascots. English has worked across billboards, canvas, murals, and collectible art toys, and his imagery has appeared in films and album covers. His work critiques consumerism, mass media, and branding through a bright, hyper-pop visual language.
Collecting Ron English at Gauntlet Gallery
Where should I begin with Ron English?
Signed, numbered screenprints and giclees featuring his signature characters are strong entry points, while hand-embellished editions and originals sit at the top. His art toys and figures also draw dedicated collectors. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes clean, well-registered impressions with complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Ron English works are sold with documented studio provenance and the artist's signature and numbering. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including the signature and edition details, so you can confirm authenticity before purchase.
What drives Ron English's value?
Iconic characters, edition size, hand-embellishment, condition, and documented provenance are the main value drivers. Low-numbered, embellished, and original works consistently outperform open or larger editions.