Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Picolinic Acid
Summary
Picolinic Acid is a 2012 woodcut spot from Manifold Editions in an edition of 55, with a sheet size of 8 x 20 inches. Described as an eight-inch woodcut spot, it is a larger-scale entry in Hirst's woodcut spot series, its elongated sheet giving the single disc of colour a bold, singular presence.
Why It Matters
The eight-inch spot is a significantly larger unit than the two-inch prints in the same series, so Picolinic Acid reads as a more emphatic, poster-scale statement of the spot idea. Rendered as a woodcut, the enlarged circle gains a tactile relief surface, and the edition of 55 keeps it within scarce, hand-editioned territory.
Collector Perspective
The generous 8 x 20 inch sheet and larger spot give this print more wall impact than the small-format woodcuts, appealing to collectors who want a single bold colour statement. Its named-compound title ties it to the pharmacology theme. As with the series, verify front signature and reverse numbering, and favour a clean, generously margined sheet.
Historical Context
Picolinic acid is a genuine chemical compound, continuing Hirst's convention of naming spots after pharmacological and chemical substances that underpin his meditation on medicine and mortality. The larger eight-inch woodcut demonstrates how Manifold Editions varied scale within the series, extending the spot motif across a range of formats in the relief-print medium.
FAQ
How large is Picolinic Acid?
It is an eight-inch woodcut spot on an 8 x 20 inch sheet, larger than the two-inch spots in the series.
What is the edition size?
Manifold Editions produced it in an edition of 55 in 2012.
What does the title mean?
Picolinic acid is a real chemical compound, in line with Hirst's practice of naming spots after pharmacological and chemical substances.
How does it differ from the small woodcut spots?
Its eight-inch spot and larger 8 x 20 inch sheet give it far more visual presence than the compact 6 x 6 inch prints in the series.
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.