Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Quinizarin
Summary
Quinizarin is a 2012 woodcut from Damien Hirst's spot vocabulary, published by Manifold Editions in an edition of 55. On an 8 x 20 inch sheet, a single eight-inch spot dominates the horizontal format, translating Hirst's signature colour dot into the grain and relief of a hand-cut woodblock rather than the flat mechanical finish of screenprint.
Why It Matters
The Manifold woodcut series matters because it reverses Hirst's own logic. The spots were conceived as impersonal and machine-perfect, yet the woodcut medium reintroduces texture, ink bite and the trace of the block. Named for the chemical compound Quinizarin, it extends the pharmaceutical-naming conceit into one of the most tactile print processes in his catalogue.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 55, Quinizarin sits in the accessible tier of Hirst's editioned output while offering the material distinction of woodcut. The wide 8 x 20 inch sheet and single oversized spot give it strong wall presence. Collectors should confirm signature and numbering placement and retain the Manifold Editions documentation that anchors provenance.
Historical Context
Hirst launched his spot paintings in the late 1980s, naming each after pharmaceutical and chemical substances drawn from scientific supply catalogues. The 2012 Manifold woodcuts arrived alongside a period of intense output around his spot work, including the simultaneous global gallery presentation, situating these hand-cut prints within a mature restatement of the series.
FAQ
What is the edition size of Quinizarin?
It was published in an edition of 55 by Manifold Editions.
What printmaking process was used?
It is a woodcut, in which the image is cut into a wooden block, inked and pressed, giving the spot a tactile relief quality unlike Hirst's flat screenprints.
What does the title refer to?
Quinizarin is a chemical compound; Hirst titles his spot works after pharmaceutical and chemical substances, a naming convention running through the series.
How large is the print?
The sheet measures 8 x 20 inches and carries a single eight-inch spot in a horizontal composition.
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.