Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
S-Lactoylglutathione (First edition)
Summary
S-Lactoylglutathione is a 2012 glazed silkscreen from Damien Hirst's spot series, published by Other Criteria in an edition of 100. Measuring 82.5 x 96.5 cm, it presents a broad grid of individually inked, non-repeating colour spots. Named for a metabolic intermediate compound, the print is signed and numbered, continuing Hirst's practice of drawing titles from the pharmaceutical lexicon.
Why It Matters
Spot works anchor Hirst's editioned output, and each is bound to a chemical title that grounds its colour in the language of medicine. S-Lactoylglutathione, named after a metabolic compound, sits at the larger end of the spot prints, giving the grid a commanding scale. Its edition of 100 marks it as a tighter run within the series.
Collector Perspective
The generous 82.5 x 96.5 cm dimensions deliver strong wall impact, and the edition of 100 offers relative scarcity among Hirst spots. Larger glazed sheets demand museum-quality framing to guard the surface and manage glare. Collectors should verify signature and numbering and inspect the wide glazed field closely, since larger surfaces show handling more readily.
Historical Context
Hirst launched the spot paintings in 1988 under a single rule: no colour is repeated within a work. Their translation into prints via Other Criteria kept that discipline while requiring each spot to be inked by hand. The pharmaceutical titles, including S-Lactoylglutathione, reinforce the medicine-and-mortality themes that recur across Hirst's career.
FAQ
How large is the edition?
S-Lactoylglutathione was issued in an edition of 100, each signed and numbered.
What are the dimensions?
The print measures 82.5 x 96.5 cm, placing it among the larger spot prints.
What does the title mean?
It refers to a metabolic intermediate compound; Hirst names his spot prints after chemical substances.
Does it need special framing?
The glazed surface and larger scale benefit from museum-quality, glare-controlling framing.
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.