Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Deific
Summary
Deific is a 2013 silkscreen with glitter from an edition of 50, measuring approximately 162.4 x 135.9 cm, published by Other Criteria. It derives from a Hirst Kaleidoscope painting of butterfly wings set into household paint, with added glitter heightening the shimmer of the symmetrical composition.
Why It Matters
Deific pairs the devotional symmetry of the Kaleidoscope works with a glitter finish that amplifies their stained-glass quality. At over 1.6 meters tall, it is among the more imposing butterfly prints, and its title underscores the quasi-religious register Hirst brings to the butterfly as a symbol of the soul and resurrection.
Collector Perspective
The glitter treatment gives Deific a reflective, light-responsive surface that changes with viewing conditions, a quality collectors of Hirst's butterfly prints seek out. The large scale suits gallery-height walls. As a signed edition of 50 from Other Criteria, it carries clear publication provenance.
Historical Context
Rooted in the Kaleidoscope series Hirst began around 2001 after encountering Victorian tea trays, Deific extends his career-long meditation on mortality framed as celebration rather than mourning. The butterfly's symbolic weight, Psyche and the soul, links the work to a long tradition of religious ornament.
FAQ
What is the finish on Deific?
It is a silkscreen finished with glitter, which adds a reflective dimension to the butterfly-wing pattern.
How large is the print?
It measures approximately 162.4 x 135.9 cm, one of the larger Kaleidoscope prints.
What is the source of the image?
A Hirst Kaleidoscope painting made from butterfly wings arranged in household paint into intricate symmetrical geometry.
What is the edition size?
Edition of 50, published by Other Criteria in 2013.
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.