Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Fate
Summary
Fate is a 2009 etching measuring 47.3 x 39.3 cm, published by Other Criteria in a signed and numbered edition of 45. Belonging to Hirst's butterfly etching series, it depicts the insect in fine intaglio detail against a deep black ground, evoking a mounted specimen in a collector's cabinet.
Why It Matters
The etched line gives Fate a precise, almost illustrative delicacy distinct from Hirst's screenprinted butterflies. Its title invokes destiny and inevitability, layering the butterfly's associations with death and the passage of life onto a small, meticulously rendered plate that rewards close looking.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 45 in the labour-intensive etching medium places Fate among Hirst's more limited and craft-driven prints. Its restrained scale and black background lend themselves to classic, gallery-style framing. Buyers should confirm the pencil signature and clean plate impression, and consider its role within the wider etching set.
Historical Context
One of Hirst's 2009 butterfly etchings published by Other Criteria, Fate participates in the artist's enduring use of the butterfly as a symbol spanning love, fortune, freedom, spirituality, and death. The etchings extend a motif embedded in Hirst's practice since his early career into a refined intaglio format.
FAQ
What does the title Fate suggest?
Fate evokes destiny and inevitability, reinforcing the butterfly's associations with mortality and the course of life.
How was it made?
It is an etching, an intaglio technique that bites the image into a metal plate for fine detailed line work.
What is the edition size?
It is a signed and numbered edition of 45, published by Other Criteria.
Is it part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to Hirst's 2009 group of butterfly etchings.
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.