Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Esculetin
Summary
Esculetin is a 2012 woodcut spot print from Manifold Editions, produced in an edition of 55 and printed on 410gsm Somerset White Paper. A two-inch landscape-format spot work at roughly 47 x 56 cm, it is described as a sister print to the popular Benzyloxyurea, closing out Manifold's woodcut spot series for that retrospective year.
Why It Matters
The woodcut spots are notable because Hirst's spot paintings were made through a collaborative studio process, whereas here the imagery is translated into the demanding, hand-cut discipline of the woodblock. Each print is signed on the front and numbered on the reverse, and the edition of just 55 makes these among the more contained spot editions in Hirst's output.
Collector Perspective
At 55 copies, this sits well below Hirst's large spot editions and appeals to collectors who value the tactile relief of woodcut over flat screenprint. The named-pharmaceutical title anchors it to the Pharmacology strand of his work. Front signature plus verso numbering is the correct configuration; confirm both are present and that the heavyweight Somerset sheet is clean.
Historical Context
Hirst's spots reference families of pharmacological compounds, reflecting his long-documented fascination with medicine's attempt to control and arrest bodily decay. Manifold Editions released a run of woodcut spot editions across that retrospective year, with Esculetin, Fenbufen and Maltohexaose named as the final three, situating it within a deliberate, sequential body of woodcut work.
FAQ
What size spot is Esculetin?
It is a two-inch spot woodcut in landscape format, with a sheet measuring approximately 47 x 56 cm.
How is it signed and numbered?
Each print in the series is signed on the front and numbered on the reverse, in an edition of 55.
What paper is used?
It is printed on 410gsm Somerset White Paper, a heavyweight archival cotton stock.
How does it relate to other prints in the series?
It is described as a sister print to Benzyloxyurea and is one of the final woodcut spots Manifold released, alongside Fenbufen and Maltohexaose.
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.