Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
For The Love Of Comic Relief
Summary
For the Love of Comic Relief is a 2013 lithograph in a portrait format of 24 x 20 inches, from an edition of 50, published by Other Criteria. It depicts Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull For the Love of God, wittily finished with a glittery red clown nose for the Comic Relief charity.
Why It Matters
The print takes Hirst's most opulent memento-mori image and undercuts it with a Red Nose Day gag, letting the artist deliberately puncture the seriousness of his own icon. Created for charity, it fuses his skull iconography with self-directed humor, a rare comic turn in his otherwise death-preoccupied output.
Collector Perspective
Collectors value the piece for its charitable origin, its direct link to the celebrated diamond skull, and its accessible portrait scale. The Comic Relief association gives it a documented backstory. As a signed edition of 50, it offers a lighter, story-rich entry into Hirst's skull imagery.
Historical Context
The source, For the Love of God (2007), is a platinum cast of a human skull set with over 8,000 diamonds. This lithograph marked Hirst's third Comic Relief collaboration for Red Nose Day, translating a symbol of wealth and mortality into a fundraising gesture built around humor.
FAQ
What image does it show?
Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull For the Love of God, with a glittery red Comic Relief nose added.
Why was it made?
It was created for Comic Relief's Red Nose Day, marking Hirst's third collaboration with the charity, with proceeds supporting fundraising.
What is the format and medium?
A lithograph in portrait orientation, 24 x 20 inches unframed, from an edition of 50.
Who published it?
Other Criteria, in 2013.
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.