Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Rhodotorulic Acid (First Edition)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Rhodotorulic Acid (First Edition) is a documented Damien Hirst work in the Gauntlet catalog. The saved release record lists dimensions of 6.25 x 6 inches. The saved record attributes the release to Manifold Editions. The cataloged edition information is 55.
Collector notes: First Edition; saved release record states an edition size of 55. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The piece embodies the encyclopedic ambition of the spot series, where each title expands an ever-growing lexicon of chemical names. In woodcut form, the single small spot becomes a study in pure color and circular geometry rendered through a traditional relief process.
Collector Perspective
Collectors treat titles such as Rhodotorulic Acid as individual pieces within a larger collecting set. The two-inch format offers an accessible scale. Priorities are confirming the Somerset White 410gsm sheet, the edition number, and consistent, clean impression of the color spot.
Historical Context
Hirst's spots span painting, screenprint, and, via The Paragon Press, woodcut. Translating the motif into carved relief printing linked his most industrially conceived series to one of the oldest printmaking traditions, a characteristic Hirst juxtaposition.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2012
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- catalog dimensions 6.25 x 6 inches; 2-inch spot woodcut, printed on 410gsm Somerset White Paper, published by The Paragon Press in 2011.
- Edition details
- First Edition; saved release record states an edition size of 55.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Damien Hirst's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: No per-work artist statement is recorded for this edition. Any thematic reading should be treated as interpretation of the imagery, not a documented statement of the artist's intent. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2012 and attributes the edition to Manifold Editions. The saved description also notes: 2-inch spot woodcut, printed on 410gsm Somerset White Paper, published by The Paragon Press in 2011.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Manifold Editions. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Damien Hirst — official site — Damien Hirst studio (Science Ltd.) · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Damien Hirst — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Damien Hirst (Q294326) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
What is the format of the piece?
A single two-inch spot rendered as a woodcut on 410gsm Somerset White paper.
Where does the title come from?
From a chemical compound name, consistent with Hirst's spot-series naming convention.
Who published the series?
The Paragon Press published Hirst's spot woodcuts.
How should I verify authenticity?
Check the Somerset White stock, edition numbering, and the quality of the woodcut impression against known series details.
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