Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Butterfly Rainbow (Small)
Summary
Butterfly Rainbow (Small) is a 2020 Damien Hirst giclée print from HENI Editions, laminated on aluminium composite panel at 24.1 x 50 cm. Catalogued as H7-2, it was released as a timed charity edition in small and large formats, pairing Hirst's signature butterfly-wing motif with a rainbow, a symbol widely embraced during 2020.
Why It Matters
Created as a charity edition, Butterfly Rainbow tied Hirst's iconic butterfly imagery to a moment of collective solidarity, with the rainbow reading as a message of hope. Its philanthropic purpose and instantly recognisable subject give it cultural resonance beyond the market, cementing its place in the story of art produced during the 2020 period.
Collector Perspective
The 24.1 x 50 cm small format (H7-2) is the compact companion to the larger 48.2 x 100 cm version (H7-1). As a charity release it was distributed relatively broadly, so condition drives desirability: verify the laminated aluminium panel is unmarked and the print is crisp. Its wide recognisability makes it a popular, approachable Hirst entry point.
Historical Context
Released in 2020, Butterfly Rainbow emerged from Hirst's long-running use of butterflies as emblems of beauty and mortality, here reframed as an uplifting rainbow. Issued by HENI Editions as a timed charity edition on laminated aluminium, it reflects both his enduring visual motifs and his willingness to mobilise his print program for charitable causes.
FAQ
What is the catalogue reference for the small version?
The small format is catalogued H7-2, while the large version is H7-1.
Was Butterfly Rainbow a charity edition?
Yes, it was released as a timed charity edition, connecting Hirst's butterfly imagery to a message of hope.
What sizes are available?
Two: the small at 24.1 x 50 cm (H7-2) and the large at 48.2 x 100 cm (H7-1).
What is the print surface?
It is a laminated giclée print on an aluminium composite panel, a rigid contemporary support.
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.