Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Anarchy
Summary
Anarchy is a 2017 silkscreen from Hirst's twelve-part 'Eat the Rich' series, published by Other Criteria in an edition of 150, signed and numbered, at 40 by 30 inches (1016 by 762 mm). The image depicts pharmaceutical packaging in which the drug's brand name is replaced by the word 'Anarchy', collapsing the language of medicine into the language of force.
Why It Matters
'Eat the Rich' extends Hirst's foundational fascination with pharmaceutical aesthetics, first seen in his early Medicine Cabinets. By substituting a violent term for a clinical brand, Anarchy weaponises the reassuring, minimalist design vocabulary of drug packaging, turning promises of health into implications of aggression. It is a sharp, legible entry in a conceptually unified suite.
Collector Perspective
Series completists prize 'Eat the Rich' as a set of twelve, and single sheets like Anarchy are often acquired to build toward the full run. At an edition of 150 on a clean, large silkscreen format, a signed and numbered impression with fresh colour and no handling creases is the target. Full-suite assemblies carry particular appeal for dedicated collectors.
Historical Context
Published by Other Criteria, Hirst's own imprint, in 2017, the series draws an explicit line to his thirteen-part Last Supper screenprints, another body of work that appropriated packaging design. Both projects channel what Hirst has called his obsession with the body and the medical industry attached to it, exuding confidence through pared-down, corporate-clean design.
FAQ
What series does Anarchy belong to?
It is part of Hirst's twelve-part 'Eat the Rich' series of screenprints.
What is the edition size?
It was published in an edition of 150, each signed and numbered.
Who published Anarchy?
It was published by Other Criteria, Hirst's own imprint.
What is the concept behind the image?
It depicts pharmaceutical packaging with the brand name replaced by a word implying force, here 'Anarchy'.
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.