Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Covenant (Non Diamond Dust)
Summary
Covenant is a large 136 x 136 cm silkscreen with glaze from an edition of 25, signed, numbered, and published by Other Criteria in 2014. Offered in this non-diamond-dust version, it derives from a Kaleidoscope painting built from thousands of butterfly wings arranged into an intricate symmetrical pattern.
Why It Matters
The Kaleidoscope works turn a natural, once-living material into rigorous geometric ornament, echoing stained-glass and mandala traditions. Covenant translates that painting into print form at ambitious scale, and its small edition of 25 places it among the more limited releases in Hirst's butterfly print output.
Collector Perspective
The square format and near-1.4-meter dimensions make this a commanding wall work. The non-diamond-dust variant offers a cleaner read of the pattern than dusted versions. With only 25 in the edition, collectors treat availability as constrained, and the signature and number anchor provenance.
Historical Context
Hirst's Kaleidoscope series began around 2001, reportedly sparked by a Victorian tea tray, and uses butterfly wings for their layered symbolism, Psyche and the soul in Greek thought, resurrection in Christian imagery. Covenant continues Hirst's recurring tension between beauty, mortality, and devotional form.
FAQ
What is the difference between the two versions?
Covenant is offered as a non-diamond-dust silkscreen and, separately, with diamond dust added. This entry covers the non-diamond-dust variant.
How large is it?
It measures 136 x 136 cm, a large square format silkscreen with glaze.
What is the source imagery?
A Hirst Kaleidoscope painting made by arranging thousands of colored butterfly wings into a symmetrical geometric composition.
How limited is the edition?
The edition is 25, signed and numbered, published by Other Criteria.
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.