Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Pyronin Y
Summary
Pyronin Y is a 2005 color etching on 350g Hahnemühle paper, plate size 58.4 x 73.7 cm, published by The Paragon Press. Signed in pencil and numbered on the reverse in an edition of 65, it presents Hirst's spot motif in a more intimate, richly inked intaglio format bearing a laboratory-stain title.
Why It Matters
Smaller and more delicate than the monumental spot etchings, Pyronin Y shows the motif at a scale where the hand-worked color and plate tone come forward. The edition of 65 on fine Hahnemühle stock makes it a scarce, well-crafted example of the pharmaceutical series.
Collector Perspective
The pencil signature appears with the numbering XX/65 on the reverse. Collectors should confirm the Hahnemühle support and clean intaglio impression. Its more manageable dimensions make it easier to frame and display than the large-format plates, a practical advantage for many buyers.
Historical Context
Pyronin Y is a biological stain used in laboratory microscopy, another of Hirst's chemical borrowings. The 2005 etchings extended his spot taxonomy into intaglio, pairing the clinical vocabulary of the lab with the warmth and texture of hand-printed color.
FAQ
What paper is used?
350g Hahnemühle, a premium etching paper.
What is the edition size?
An edition of 65, numbered on the reverse and signed in pencil.
Who published it?
The Paragon Press, London, in 2005.
What is the plate size?
58.4 x 73.7 cm.
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.