Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Perillartine
Summary
Perillartine is a 2012 woodcut spot from Manifold Editions in an edition of 55, with a sheet size of 14.5 x 18 inches. A two-inch spot composition, it belongs to Hirst's woodcut translation of the spot motif, executed in hand-cut relief rather than screenprint and titled after a pharmacological compound.
Why It Matters
As a two-inch woodcut spot, Perillartine exemplifies the intimate scale within this series, where discrete circles of pure colour become studies in chromatic relationship. The woodcut process gives the ink a physical grain absent from Hirst's flat screenprinted spots, and the edition of 55 keeps it firmly in scarce, hand-editioned territory.
Collector Perspective
The compact 14.5 x 18 inch sheet makes this an approachable format for collectors entering the woodcut spot series. Its named-drug title anchors it to Hirst's pharmacology theme, and the small edition supports its collectibility. As with the series, expect front signature and verso numbering; prioritise clean margins and a bright, unfoxed sheet.
Historical Context
Hirst's spots reference families of pharmacological drugs, part of his well-documented obsession with medicine's attempts to control and arrest bodily decay. Manifold Editions issued a run of these woodcut spots, translating a motif born in the studio-produced paintings into the older, more labour-intensive discipline of the woodblock print.
FAQ
What size spot is Perillartine?
It is a two-inch woodcut spot with a sheet measuring 14.5 x 18 inches.
What is the edition size?
It was published by Manifold Editions in an edition of 55 in 2012.
What does the title refer to?
Like all Hirst spots, the title names a pharmacological compound, reflecting his interest in medicine and mortality.
How does the woodcut differ from a screenprint spot?
The woodcut is printed from a hand-cut block, giving the ink a physical relief and grain that flat screenprints lack.
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.