Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Red Bird And Parrot With Shark Jaw (Small)
Summary
Red Bird and Parrot with Shark Jaw (Small) is a 2012 lithograph published by Other Criteria, signed and numbered in an edition of 75 at 495 x 380 mm (19 x 15 inches). It reproduces a Devon-studio still life in which exotic birds are arranged alongside a shark jaw, a direct callback to Hirst's earlier sculptural motifs.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of a shark jaw is the standout feature, explicitly linking this intimate still life to the predatory imagery of Hirst's landmark preserved-shark installations. It is a rare instance of the artist's conceptual vocabulary migrating into a traditional painted genre, making this one of the more narratively loaded prints in the bird series.
Collector Perspective
For collectors, the shark-jaw element adds a layer of Hirst iconography that the purely floral bird prints lack, giving it added conceptual interest at the same 75-edition scale. Signed and numbered, it functions as both a decorative still life and a coded reference to his signature themes. Confirm the (Small) format, as a larger companion edition exists.
Historical Context
Hirst has described these Devon still lifes as depicting natural and inanimate elements, sometimes memento mori, alongside objects that appeared in his sculptures and installations before. The shark jaw is exactly such a device, tying the print to The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living and his enduring meditation on predation and mortality.
FAQ
Why is there a shark jaw in the composition?
The shark jaw references motifs from Hirst's earlier sculptures and installations, notably his preserved-shark works, embedded within a traditional still life.
What is the edition and medium?
It is a lithograph published by Other Criteria, signed and numbered in an edition of 75.
What are its dimensions?
It measures 495 x 380 mm, roughly 19 x 15 inches.
Is there a larger version?
The (Small) designation indicates a companion larger-format edition of the same image.
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.