Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Renewal
Summary
Renewal is a 2009 etching measuring 47.3 x 39.3 cm, published by Other Criteria in a signed and numbered edition of 45. Belonging to Hirst's butterfly etching series, it presents the insect in fine intaglio detail against a deep black ground, evoking a specimen preserved for study and display.
Why It Matters
Renewal names one of the butterfly's most affirming meanings, rebirth and the cyclical return of life, giving the work an optimistic counterpoint to the memento mori undercurrent of the series. The etched detail lends the image a scientific delicacy that heightens the tension between preservation and vitality.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 45 in the intaglio medium marks Renewal as one of the more limited, craft-driven Hirst prints. Its modest scale and classic black-ground composition suit refined framing. Collectors should authenticate the pencil signature and plate impression and may appreciate acquiring it alongside its companion etchings as a themed set.
Historical Context
Part of Hirst's 2009 butterfly etchings with Other Criteria, Renewal invokes the butterfly's centuries-old symbolism of regeneration, fortune, and spirituality. The series represents a considered extension of a motif that has anchored Hirst's practice and public identity since the early 1990s.
FAQ
What does the title Renewal signify?
It evokes rebirth and the cyclical return of life, a hopeful facet of the butterfly's rich symbolism.
How was Renewal produced?
It is an etching, an intaglio technique that allows fine, detailed line work bitten into a metal plate.
What is the edition size?
It is a signed and numbered edition of 45, published by Other Criteria.
Is it part of a larger series?
Yes, it is one of Hirst's 2009 butterfly etchings sharing a common format and theme.
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.