Gauntlet Gallery — Ron English Print Index
Zembo Boy
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Zembo Boy is a 2009 Ron English edition of hand-stained intaglio prints, drawn from an original English painting of the same name. Each small 5 x 3.5 inch etching, from an edition of 100, arrives encased in a hand-cast, antiqued resin frame with a laser-backed presentation, making it as much object as print.
Collector notes: Edition of 100 plus 10 artist's proofs according to the saved release record. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
Zembo Boy stands out for its craft-intensive presentation: intaglio etching is a comparatively rare medium in English's catalog, and the hand-cast resin framing turns each impression into a bespoke artifact. It reflects his willingness to push editions beyond flat paper into sculptural presentation.
Collector Perspective
The edition of 100, hand-staining, and integrated resin frame make Zembo Boy a distinctive collectible where condition of the framing matters as much as the print. Its intimate scale suits close display. Collectors should confirm signature and numbering and inspect the resin casing for chips or clouding.
Historical Context
Intaglio printmaking is a centuries-old technique, and English's 2009 use of it, paired with antiqued resin, gives Zembo Boy a deliberately artisanal, almost relic-like character. The piece shows English drawing directly from his own painting practice into a small, handcrafted edition.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2009
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Etching; catalog dimensions 5 x 3.5 inches; Printed intaglio on Rives Heavyweight printmaking paper with Charbonnel inks.
- Edition details
- Edition of 100 plus 10 artist's proofs according to the saved release record.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Ron English's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Intaglio printmaking is a centuries-old technique, and English's 2009 use of it, paired with antiqued resin, gives Zembo Boy a deliberately artisanal, almost relic-like character. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2009 and attributes the edition to Pressure Printing. The saved description also notes: Printed intaglio on Rives Heavyweight printmaking paper with Charbonnel inks.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- The saved release description references: Comes with a custom-designed, perforated. Confirm any original sleeve, tube, box, or backing board copy by copy.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Pressure Printing. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- POPaganda — official site — Ron English studio · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Ron English (artist) — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Ron English (Q582475) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
What medium is Zembo Boy?
It is a hand-stained intaglio (etching) fine art print, made from an original Ron English painting of the same name.
How is it presented?
Each print is encased in a hand-cast, antiqued resin frame with a laser-backed mounting.
What is the edition size and dimensions?
An edition of 100, with the print measuring about 5 x 3.5 inches.
What should collectors inspect?
The resin casing and framing condition, alongside verifying the signature and numbering.
