Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
For The Love Of God (Lenticular)
Summary
Released in 2012 in a substantial edition of 5,000, this lenticular print translates Hirst's diamond-encrusted platinum skull, For the Love of God, into a shifting optical object. Digitally printed on PETG plastic at 60 x 40 cm and co-published by Other Criteria and Paul Stolper, the lenticular technique animates the skull's pave-set surface as the viewer moves.
Why It Matters
The original 2007 skull was among the most talked-about objects of contemporary art, reportedly the most expensive artwork made by a living artist at the time. This lenticular edition gives collectors an accessible, kinetic reference to that landmark sculpture. The illusion of depth is the point: the medium mirrors the way real diamonds catch and throw light.
Collector Perspective
At 5,000 copies this is one of the most widely available Hirst editions, so its appeal is iconographic rather than scarcity-driven. It functions as an entry point to the artist's memento mori vocabulary. Condition matters unusually here: PETG plastic scratches and the lenticular layer can delaminate, so pristine, unmarked examples with intact edges are the ones to hold.
Historical Context
The lenticular medium was framed by the publishers as the most advanced printing technique available in 2012, chosen specifically to convey the skull's diamond glory in a way flat print could not. It sits within Hirst's decade-long project of confronting mortality through luxury materials, extending the skull motif from a singular sculpture into a democratized, reproducible form.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
The lenticular was published in an edition of 5,000 in 2012 by Other Criteria and Paul Stolper.
What material is it printed on?
It is a digital print on PETG plastic, a rigid clear polymer, measuring roughly 60 x 40 cm (600 x 400 mm).
Why lenticular rather than a standard print?
The lenticular technique creates an illusion of depth and motion, letting the diamond skull appear to shift and sparkle as the viewer changes angle.
What condition issues should I watch for?
Because it is on plastic, surface scratches, edge chips, and any delamination of the lenticular layer significantly affect desirability.
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.