Gauntlet Gallery
What is Cleon Peterson’s piece called “Will To Power”
Summary
A stark black-and-white screen print showing a nude executioner standing over a slain, prone body, gripping a long dripping sword in one hand and a severed, dripping head in the other against a star-filled night sky. The image distills Cleon Peterson's signature meditation on raw power, conquest, and the brutality that underlies civilization into a single Goliath-like victor and his victim.
Why It Matters
Will To Power" is one of Peterson's early-period statements (2012), the years in which he crystallized the flat, high-contrast graphic language and themes of domination and bloodshed that define his work. Borrowing its title from Nietzsche's idea of the fundamental drive to power, the print reduces violence to its most elemental form: a single triumphant aggressor literally holding the severed head of his enemy while a corpse bleeds at his feet. The composition openly echoes classical depictions of victors over the vanquished (David and Goliath, Perseus, Greek vase combat scenes) that recur throughout Peterson's catalog, making this an essential, on-theme example of the artist's confrontation with the abuse of power.
Collector Perspective
A 2012 screen print in a very small edition of 40, placing it among Peterson's scarcer early prints rather than his larger later runs. Examples are typically hand-signed and numbered by the artist. As an early, edition-of-40 work with a definitive, unmistakably "Cleon" image (executioner, severed head, corpse, star field), it carries strong appeal for collectors building a focused set of his pre-major-gallery output. Market position is mid-tier within his print body of work: desirable for its scarcity and clean iconography, though without the color (red/gold) palette some buyers chase. Condition, full signature/numbering, and freedom from handling marks drive value.
Historical Context
Released in 2012, during the formative stretch when Cleon Peterson (b. 1973, Seattle) was establishing the visual vocabulary that would carry through later series such as End of Empire. The work sits within his ongoing examination of power, conquest, and societal violence, drawing on classical Greek vase painting and the long art-historical tradition of the conqueror standing over the conquered. This period predates his most widely circulated large editions and high-profile Shepard Fairey collaborations, making early small-run prints like this one historically representative of his emergence.
FAQ
What does this print depict?
A nude, victorious figure stands at center holding a long dripping sword in one hand and a severed, blood-dripping head in the other. A slain body lies on the ground in front of him with a pool of blood, all set against a black night sky filled with white stars.
What is the edition size?
The edition is limited to 40.
Is it signed and numbered?
Works in this edition are typically hand-signed and numbered by the artist. Always confirm the signature and numbering on the specific example you are considering.
What is the medium and year?
It is a screen print from 2012.
Who is Cleon Peterson?
Cleon Peterson (b. 1973, Seattle) is an American artist known for stark, high-contrast scenes of violence, power, and social conflict rendered in flat black, white, red and gold. He draws on classical Greek vase painting, Hogarth, and street art, and is a frequent Shepard Fairey collaborator.
Related Works
About the Artist
Cleon Peterson (b. 1973, Seattle) is an American artist known for stark, high-contrast scenes of violence, power and social conflict, rendered in a flat, limited palette of black, white, red and gold. His chaotic compositions of fighting, clubbing and writhing figures expose the abuse of power and the brutality beneath civilization’s surface, drawing on classical Greek vase painting, Hogarth and street art. A frequent collaborator with Shepard Fairey, he shows internationally; his prints, sculptures and editions are widely collected in the urban-contemporary market.
Collecting Cleon Peterson at Gauntlet Gallery
Where can I buy authentic Cleon Peterson prints?
Gauntlet Gallery offers an extensive, authenticated inventory of Cleon Peterson prints and contemporary editions, with new drops added regularly. Browse the current collection at gauntlet.gallery.
How does Gauntlet Gallery ensure authenticity?
Gauntlet Gallery is built on curation, authenticity and transparency — every work is vetted and its provenance, edition details and condition are disclosed up front.
Does Gauntlet Gallery add new Cleon Peterson prints?
Yes. New drops are released regularly across Cleon Peterson and other leading artists; see gauntlet.gallery for the latest inventory.