Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Psalm: Miserere Mei Deus (Non-Glitter)
Summary
Psalm: Miserere Mei Deus (2015) is a silkscreen with glaze from Hirst's Psalm series, published by Other Criteria in an edition of 25 at 18 x 18 inches. Butterfly wings radiate in mirror symmetry under a glossy glaze, the Latin title taken from Psalm 51. Each print is signed and numbered.
Why It Matters
Miserere Mei Deus ('Have mercy on me, O God') is among the most penitential of psalms, and pairing it with Hirst's radiant butterfly symmetry sharpens the contrast between beauty and mortality that defines his practice. The result is decorative and devotional at once.
Collector Perspective
At 25 examples, this is a scarce Psalm print, and its recognizable psalm title gives it added resonance. The glazed non-glitter surface appeals to purists, while the square format groups well with companion works. Collectors focus on the small run and the coherence of the Latin-titled series.
Historical Context
Hirst's Kaleidoscope paintings started in 2001 with It's a Wonderful World, drawing on Victorian ornament and stained glass; his butterfly imagery dates to 1989. The Psalm series channels these into prints named for individual psalms, published through his Other Criteria imprint.
FAQ
Where does the title come from?
It is the Latin opening of Psalm 51, 'Have mercy on me, O God.'
What is the image?
A symmetrical kaleidoscope of butterfly wings, in Hirst's Kaleidoscope idiom.
What is the edition size?
Twenty-five, published by Other Criteria, signed and numbered.
Glitter or non-glitter?
This is the non-glitter version, finished with a glaze.
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.