Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Sans Souci
Summary
Sans Souci, 2018, is a Diasec-mounted Giclée print on aluminium panel measuring 92 x 126 cm, cataloged H4-1 by Heni Productions. Issued in an edition of 75 plus 5 artist's proofs, each is numbered and signed, marking it as the first entry in Hirst's H4 print sequence.
Why It Matters
The horizontal 92 x 126 cm format sets Sans Souci apart from Hirst's square hotel editions, giving it a landscape-scaled presence. Its edition of 75 plus 5 APs is tighter than the hundred-run H5 series, and as H4-1 it opens its own catalog group, appealing to collectors who track Hirst's print sequences by numbering.
Collector Perspective
The smaller edition of 75 and the larger landscape footprint make Sans Souci a distinctive wall piece with lower supply than the H5 works. Each is numbered and signed, so confirm those marks along with the H4-1 reference. As a Diasec-on-aluminium object, judge condition by the acrylic face and panel edges rather than paper.
Historical Context
The 2018 H4 suite, published by Heni Productions in the Serpentine context, reflects Hirst's continued output of archival aluminium-mounted Giclée editions. Its wider format and tighter edition point to a group conceived as substantial wall works, consistent with his later focus on resolved, saturated imagery delivered as collectible objects.
FAQ
What is the edition size of Sans Souci?
An edition of 75 plus 5 artist's proofs, each numbered and signed.
What is its catalog number?
Heni Productions catalog number H4-1, the first work in the H4 sequence.
What are the dimensions?
92 x 126 cm, in a horizontal landscape format.
What is the medium?
A Diasec-mounted Giclée print on aluminium panel.
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.