Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Isostearic Acid (First Edition)
Summary
Isostearic Acid is a two-inch spot woodcut on 410gsm Somerset White paper, part of Hirst's woodcut spot program published through The Paragon Press. Titled after a chemical compound, it continues the pharmaceutical naming convention that runs through the entire spot series.
Why It Matters
The woodcut spots are notable because Hirst translated his machine-precise spot paintings into a hand-cut, grain-bearing medium. The single small spot format distills the series to its purest gesture: one perfect circle of color, named for a chemical, on bright white stock.
Collector Perspective
Collectors approach the spot woodcuts as a set-collecting proposition, where each chemical title is a discrete acquisition. The compact two-inch spot format sits at the accessible end of the series. Verify the Somerset White 410gsm stock, edition numbering, and clean registration of the woodcut impression.
Historical Context
Hirst began the spot paintings in the late 1980s and later expanded them into vast print editions. The woodcut treatment, published via The Paragon Press, gave the endlessly reproduced spot motif a deliberately traditional, tactile printmaking counterpoint to its clinical origins.
FAQ
What is the medium?
A two-inch spot woodcut printed on 410gsm Somerset White paper.
Why is it named Isostearic Acid?
Hirst titles his spot works after chemical and pharmaceutical compounds, a convention running across the entire spot series.
Who published it?
The Paragon Press published the spot woodcut program.
How does it fit the spot series?
It renders the signature single spot motif in hand-cut woodcut form, contrasting with the mechanical precision of the spot paintings.
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.