Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Entreaty (Non-Glitter)
Summary
Entreaty is a 2013 silkscreen from an edition of 25, measuring roughly 145.1 x 142 cm, published by Other Criteria. Offered here in the non-glitter version, it is based on a Kaleidoscope painting in which butterfly wings are set into household paint to form dense, symmetrical geometry.
Why It Matters
The large square format and very small edition of 25 make Entreaty one of the scarcer Kaleidoscope prints. The non-glitter version emphasizes the pattern and color transitions of the wings directly, without added reflective material, giving a clearer view of the underlying composition's intricacy.
Collector Perspective
At nearly 1.45 meters, this is an architectural-scale wall work. Collectors comparing the glitter and non-glitter variants often prefer the non-glitter for its crisper legibility. With only 25 examples and a note that the work is subject to price increments, availability is understood to be tight.
Historical Context
The Kaleidoscope series, begun around 2001 and inspired by Victorian tea trays, uses the butterfly as one of Hirst's most enduring universal triggers, spanning beauty, faith, and death. Entreaty channels that spiritual symbolism through rigorous mirror-symmetry, published under Other Criteria.
FAQ
What is the non-glitter version?
Entreaty is offered both with glitter and without. This entry covers the non-glitter silkscreen, which reads the butterfly pattern without added reflective material.
How is the image made?
It is based on a Kaleidoscope painting built from butterfly wings arranged in household paint into symmetrical geometric patterns, then rendered as a silkscreen.
How large and how limited is it?
It measures about 145.1 x 142 cm and comes from an edition of 25, published by Other Criteria.
What does the butterfly symbolize in Hirst's work?
Hirst treats the butterfly as a universal trigger tied to beauty, the soul, and resurrection, themes that recur across the Kaleidoscope series.
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.