Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Butterfly Heart (Large)
Summary
Butterfly Heart (Large) is a 2020 Damien Hirst giclée print from HENI Editions, laminated on aluminium composite panel at 72.7 x 70 cm. Catalogued as H7-3, it was issued as a timed charity edition in large and small formats, arranging Hirst's kaleidoscopic butterfly wings into a luminous heart.
Why It Matters
Butterfly Heart channels Hirst's signature wing collages into an emblem of love and compassion, released for charitable benefit. The heart motif, built from real-looking butterfly wings, condenses his recurring themes of beauty and transience into an accessible, emotionally direct image that resonates well beyond seasoned collectors.
Collector Perspective
At 72.7 x 70 cm, the large H7-3 format is the more imposing of the two sizes, paired with a smaller 35 x 36.4 cm version (H7-4). As a charity edition it circulated fairly widely, so pristine condition of the laminated aluminium face is the primary value driver. The bold, symmetrical composition frames strongly and reads clearly from a distance.
Historical Context
Part of Hirst's 2020 HENI Editions charity output, Butterfly Heart continues his decades-long fascination with butterflies as symbols of life and death. Rendered on laminated aluminium and offered through a timed charitable sale, it exemplifies how Hirst repurposed his most enduring motif for philanthropic ends during a period of heightened online art buying.
FAQ
What is the catalogue number for the large version?
The large format is H7-3, and the small version is H7-4.
How big is the large Butterfly Heart?
The large format measures 72.7 x 70 cm; the small version is 35 x 36.4 cm.
Was this a charity release?
Yes, it was issued as a timed charity edition through HENI Editions.
What is it printed on?
A laminated giclée print on an aluminium composite panel, giving a rigid, modern presentation.
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.