Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Sanctum - Altar
Work Summary & Collector Notes
"Sanctum - Altar" is an etching from Damien Hirst's six-part Sanctum series, published by Paragon Press in an edition of 59. Each print is signed by the artist and numbered on the reverse, with sheet sizes varying across the series. It is the "Altar" plate within this architecturally themed group.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 59. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The Sanctum suite marks a departure from Hirst's spot and butterfly print languages, adopting the vocabulary of ecclesiastical architecture, altar, belfry, chancel, dome, to explore themes of the sacred. Its publication through Paragon Press, a respected fine-art print house, situates it firmly within Hirst's more serious, portfolio-based printmaking.
Collector Perspective
At an edition of 59, this is one of the more tightly editioned Hirst print series, and its coherence as a six-part suite adds appeal for collectors who value complete sets. The Paragon Press imprint is a mark of quality. Confirm the front signature and reverse numbering; because sheet sizes vary, verify the specific dimensions of the individual impression.
Historical Context
The Sanctum titles borrow the plan of a church, casting the series as a meditation on the sacred and the memorial, themes that echo the mortality preoccupations running through Hirst's wider practice. Paragon Press has published editions for many leading contemporary British artists, and this suite reflects Hirst's engagement with more traditional intaglio printmaking.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2009
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Etching.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 59.
- Signature and marks
- The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature 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 2009 and attributes the edition to Paragon Press.
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 Paragon Press. 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 Sanctum series?
A suite of six etchings by Damien Hirst, published by Paragon Press, each titled after part of a church, including "Altar."
What is the edition size?
An edition of 59, with each print signed and numbered on the reverse.
Who published it?
Paragon Press, a fine-art print publisher.
Are all sheets the same size?
No, sheet sizes vary across the series.
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