Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Flumequine
Summary
Flumequine is a large 2007 spot etching from Hirst's pharmaceutical series, published by Paragon Press in an edition of 75. At a substantial 140.5 x 108.5 cm, it renders a single field of Hirst's signature colored dots in the exacting intaglio medium, each spot named, as ever, after a chemical compound.
Why It Matters
The spot etchings translate Hirst's most recognizable motif into hand-pulled printmaking, where the precise grid meets the physical resistance of the plate. Its imposing scale, unusual for an etching, and edition of just 75 make Flumequine a significant example of the artist's Pharmaceutical vocabulary in print form.
Collector Perspective
Signed on the front and numbered on the reverse, this edition of 75 is comparatively scarce. Its size demands careful framing and handling; large etchings are prone to cockling and edge wear. The pencil signature on the recto is a key point to confirm.
Historical Context
By 2007 Hirst's spot paintings had become a defining brand of contemporary art, each dot titled after a pharmaceutical or chemical. The etchings brought that clinical, systematic language into an old-master medium, underscoring the tension between machine-like order and the hand of the printer.
FAQ
What is depicted in Flumequine?
A single field of Hirst's signature colored spots, titled after a chemical compound.
How large is the print?
The sheet measures 140.5 x 108.5 cm, exceptionally large for an etching.
What is the edition size?
It was published in an edition of 75 by Paragon Press in 2007.
How is it signed?
Signed by the artist on the front and numbered on the reverse.
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.