Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Amniotic Fluid (First Edition)
Summary
Amniotic Fluid is a single twelve-inch spot woodcut printed on 410gsm Somerset White paper, published by The Paragon Press in 2012. It sits in the larger-format tier of the spot woodcut series, its biological-fluid title extending Hirst's chemical and pharmaceutical naming approach.
Why It Matters
The title nods to the body and life itself, a subtle counterpoint to the clinical distance of most spot names. At twelve inches, the single spot dominates the sheet, letting the woodcut grain and pure color read as the whole subject of the work.
Collector Perspective
The evocative title gives Amniotic Fluid extra thematic interest among the larger woodcut spots. Collectors should confirm the 410gsm Somerset White stock, the 2012 Paragon Press attribution, the edition number, and consistent inking of the enlarged single spot.
Historical Context
Hirst's spot titles range from obscure chemicals to bodily and biological terms, reinforcing the series' themes of life, medicine, and mortality. The twelve-inch woodcuts, produced with The Paragon Press in 2012, translated that conceptual scheme into a tactile relief-print format.
FAQ
What does the title reference?
A biological fluid, extending Hirst's chemical and pharmaceutical spot-naming system toward the body and life.
What is the format?
A single twelve-inch spot woodcut on 410gsm Somerset White paper.
Who published it and when?
The Paragon Press, in 2012.
What makes this title distinctive?
Its life-and-body reference stands out against the more clinical chemical names in the series.
About the Artist
Damien Hirst (born 1965, Bristol) is a British artist and the most prominent figure of the Young British Artists (YBAs). Rising to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s, he built a practice around mortality, science, religion, and beauty — from formaldehyde-preserved animals to his Spot, Spin, and Butterfly (Kaleidoscope) series. Hirst is also one of the most prolific printmakers in contemporary art, releasing extensive signed editions through his own science-led studio and, more recently, the HENI imprint. His work has commanded record prices and defined the market for blue-chip contemporary editions.
Collecting Damien Hirst at Gauntlet Gallery
Which Damien Hirst prints should I collect?
Signed, numbered editions from his signature series — Spots, Butterflies/Kaleidoscope, Spins, Cherry Blossoms, and skull works — are the collectible core. Look for strong condition and the artist's pencil signature. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes complete, well-documented impressions.
How is a Hirst print authenticated?
We sell Hirst works with documented provenance and the edition's signature and numbering; many carry HENI or studio documentation. Each piece is photographed exactly as it ships, including signature and edition details.
What drives value?
Series and image (iconic Spots and Butterflies lead), edition size, format and scale, condition, and provenance all drive value. Hand-signed, low-numbered, and diamond-dust or foilblock works command premiums.