Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Myth (First Edition)
Summary
'Myth' is a 2016 porcelain sculpture depicting a unicorn, handcrafted by the renowned Nymphenburg Porcelain Makers in Munich and issued in an edition of 20. Standing roughly 16 inches tall, it carries the artist's signature, edition number, and Nymphenburg maker's mark on the base.
Why It Matters
'Myth' recreates in porcelain one of Hirst's bronze sculptures, exposing an anatomical cross-section that reveals the flesh and musculature beneath the creature's skin. The pairing of a mythical animal with clinical anatomy embodies Hirst's recurring dialogue between belief, science, and the physical body.
Collector Perspective
With an edition of only 20 and hand production by a historic porcelain house, 'Myth' is a genuinely scarce three-dimensional Hirst object. Collectors valuing craftsmanship and the crossover between fine art and decorative porcelain will find it distinct from his prints, and it forms a natural pair with its companion, 'Legend'.
Historical Context
Nymphenburg's centuries-old porcelain tradition lends 'Myth' a lineage far older than contemporary art, which Hirst subverts by fusing fairy-tale imagery with anatomical exposure. The work belongs to his broader project examining where science, religion, and belief intersect.
FAQ
What is 'Myth' made of?
It is porcelain, handcrafted by the Nymphenburg Porcelain Makers in Munich.
What does the sculpture depict?
A unicorn, shown with an anatomical cross-section revealing the flesh and musculature of a horse beneath the skin.
How is it marked and how scarce is it?
It bears the artist's signature, edition number, and Nymphenburg maker's mark on the base, in an edition of 20.
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.