Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Sanctum - Minaret
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Part of Hirst's six-plate Sanctum suite of 2009, Minaret is an etching published by Paragon Press in an edition of 59. The title borrows the architectural vocabulary of sacred space, and the print translates Hirst's fascination with pattern, structure and the transcendent into the intimate, hand-worked language of intaglio.
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 series shows Hirst working within the disciplined constraints of etching rather than his large-scale spectacle. At 59 impressions, Minaret is among his tighter print editions, giving collectors a comparatively scarce example of the artist engaging directly with plate, acid and press.
Collector Perspective
Each sheet is signed by the artist and numbered on the reverse, the standard for the suite. Collectors should confirm the reverse numbering and pairing to the six-plate set; individual plates like Minaret circulate separately but derive part of their appeal from belonging to the complete Sanctum group.
Historical Context
By 2009 Hirst was a globally dominant contemporary artist, yet the Sanctum etchings reflect a quieter, more contemplative register. The suite's sacred-architecture titles align with the memento-mori and spiritual themes that run throughout his practice, from vitrines to the diamond skull.
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: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: By 2009 Hirst was a globally dominant contemporary artist, yet the Sanctum etchings reflect a quieter, more contemplative register. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. 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 edition size of Sanctum – Minaret?
It was published in an edition of 59 by Paragon Press in 2009.
How is the print signed?
Each impression is signed by the artist and numbered on the reverse of the sheet.
Is Minaret a standalone work?
It is one of six etchings in the Sanctum suite; plates circulate individually but belong to a set.
What medium is it?
It is an etching, an intaglio printmaking process, published on the occasion of the 2009 series.
