Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Emerge
Summary
Emerge is a 2009 etching measuring 47.3 x 39.3 cm, published by Other Criteria in a signed and numbered edition of 45. Part of Hirst's butterfly etching series, it captures the insect in fine intaglio detail against a black background, resembling a preserved specimen in a naturalist's collection.
Why It Matters
The title Emerge speaks directly to metamorphosis and new life, one of the butterfly's most hopeful symbolic registers. Rendered with the delicate precision of etching, the work distills Hirst's fascination with the boundary between the living and the preserved into a single, quietly powerful image.
Collector Perspective
With only 45 impressions and the demands of intaglio printing, Emerge is a scarcer, more craft-oriented Hirst edition. Its intimate scale and dark ground make it a versatile framing candidate. As with the full etching series, collectors value both the individual sheet and its coherence within the group; verify signature and plate quality.
Historical Context
Issued as one of Hirst's 2009 butterfly etchings by Other Criteria, Emerge draws on the butterfly's long heritage in art and literature as a symbol of transformation, spirituality, and death. It represents a refined addition to a motif that has defined Hirst's visual identity since his earliest exhibitions.
FAQ
What does Emerge reference?
The title evokes metamorphosis and emergence into new life, echoing the butterfly's symbolism of transformation and regeneration.
What medium is it?
It is an etching, an intaglio process prized for fine detail and hand-drawn line quality.
How many were made?
It is a signed and numbered edition of 45, published by Other Criteria.
What are its dimensions?
The sheet measures 47.3 x 39.3 cm.
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.