Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Carvacrol
Summary
"Carvacrol" is a Damien Hirst spot screenprint, 980 x 760 mm, produced as a silkscreen with bronze glitter in a signed and numbered edition of 150. Made from 24 colors over a white, bronze and glaze underprint, it is one of the bolder metallic entries in Hirst's most recognizable Spot series.
Why It Matters
The portrait-oriented 980 x 760 mm format and bronze glitter surface make "Carvacrol" a striking, high-impact spot print. The glitter texture is set against the smooth, saturated spot colors, embodying the series' emphasis on contrast and the mutability of an otherwise rigid grid of dots.
Collector Perspective
With 150 impressions, it sits in the more available tier of Hirst prints, while the bronze glitter finish adds visual and material distinction. The 24-color build over a bronze underprint is a notable technical feature. Confirm the signature, numbering and Other Criteria provenance, and inspect the glitter layer, which is sensitive to abrasion and handling.
Historical Context
Hirst's Spot series, titled after chemical compounds such as carvacrol, an aromatic monoterpenoid, has run since the late 1980s as a systematic study of color on a grid. The metallic glitter prints extend that project into more decorative, surface-driven territory, testing how much sparkle and contrast the format can absorb without losing its clinical structure.
FAQ
What is the orientation of "Carvacrol"?
It is a portrait-format print, 980 x 760 mm, with bronze glitter.
How many colors are used?
24 colors over an underprint of white, bronze and a glaze.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 150, signed and numbered.
Why is it named "Carvacrol"?
It follows Hirst's spot naming convention drawn from chemical compounds; carvacrol is an aromatic compound.
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.