Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Histidyl
Summary
"Histidyl" is a Damien Hirst spot screenprint, 758 x 952 mm, produced as a silkscreen with metallic silver in a signed and numbered edition of 150. Built from 24 colors over a white, silver and glaze underprint, it belongs to the vivid metallic run of Hirst's signature Spot series.
Why It Matters
The metallic silver treatment gives "Histidyl" a cool, reflective surface that contrasts with the smooth purity of its spot colors. This tension between texture and flatness is central to the metallic spot prints, which show how boldly the format can be reworked while staying unmistakably part of the Spot lineage.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 150 places it in Hirst's more accessible tier, and the metallic silver finish differentiates it from standard spot prints. The 24-color build over a silver underprint is a technical selling point. Collectors should confirm the signature, edition number and Other Criteria provenance, and inspect the silver layer for condition, as metallic surfaces mark easily.
Historical Context
Hirst's Spots, begun in the late 1980s, apply a systematic grid of color titled after chemical and biological compounds; histidyl relates to the amino acid histidine. The metallic silver spot prints represent a later, more materially ambitious chapter, translating the painterly series into reflective, print-based surfaces through his Other Criteria imprint.
FAQ
What finish does "Histidyl" have?
It is a silkscreen with metallic silver, made from 24 colors over a white, silver and glaze underprint.
What are its dimensions?
758 x 952 mm.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 150, signed and numbered.
Where does the title come from?
It follows the spot series' convention of naming works after chemical and biological compounds.
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.