Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Phlegyas
Work Summary & Collector Notes
'Phlegyas' is a 2016 circular lenticular work by Damien Hirst, a digital print on PETG plastic that uses advanced lenticular technology for an illusion of depth. Published framed by Other Criteria in a signed, numbered edition of 50, it has a 75 cm (30-inch) diameter and animates as the viewer shifts position.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 50. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The round, tondo-like format is unusual among Hirst's editions and lends the shimmering insect imagery a jewel-like intensity. As with his butterflies, the iridescent insects retain the look of life in death, and the lenticular surface heightens that paradox by making the image appear to move and deepen.
Collector Perspective
The circular composition and lenticular depth distinguish 'Phlegyas' within Hirst's editioned work, and the framed edition of 50 supports its scarcity. Collectors seeking an unusual format, optical movement, and the iridescent insect motif will find it a striking, presentation-ready piece.
Historical Context
Hirst was drawn to insects, like butterflies, for their iridescent beauty that persists after death, using them as universal triggers for reflection on mortality. The lenticular editions carried these themes into an optical, kinetic medium, with 'Phlegyas' adopting the tondo format to intensify the effect.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Lenticular edition
- Release date
- 2016
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Lenticular; catalog dimensions 75 x 75 cm; Lenticular - digital print on PETG plastic; These prints are made using the most advanced lenticular printing technique, creating an illusion of depth that shows the artwork in its full glory; The artist was initially drawn to the insects because, like the butterfly, they embody the fragility of life, retaining an iridescent beauty even in death.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 50.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Damien Hirst's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: No per-work artist statement is recorded for this edition. Any thematic reading should be treated as interpretation of the imagery, not a documented statement of the artist's intent. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2016 and attributes the edition to Other Criteria. The saved description also notes: Published by Other Criteria.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Other Criteria. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Damien Hirst — official site — Damien Hirst studio (Science Ltd.) · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Damien Hirst — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Damien Hirst (Q294326) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
What shape is 'Phlegyas'?
It is circular, with a 75 cm (30-inch) diameter, an unusual tondo format among Hirst's editions.
What technique is used?
It is a lenticular work, a digital print on PETG plastic that creates an illusion of depth and appears to shift as the viewer moves.
How is it published and how scarce is it?
Published framed by Other Criteria in a signed, numbered edition of 50.
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