Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Silver Tears
Summary
A 2012 giclee print combining inkjet, glaze, and foilblock on heavyweight Hahnemühle photo rag, Silver Tears was issued in an edition of 55, signed and numbered. Co-published by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria, it pairs archival pigment printing with a reflective foil surface across a 61.5 x 71cm sheet.
Why It Matters
The piece sits at the intersection of Hirst's decorative and memento-mori instincts. The foilblock element gives the tears a literal metallic gleam that changes with light, making the print a physical object rather than a flat image. The small edition of 55 keeps it firmly in the collector, rather than mass-market, tier.
Collector Perspective
Collectors value the multi-process construction: foilblock work is harder to reproduce and more fragile than a plain giclee, so condition of the reflective surface is paramount. The Paul Stolper and Other Criteria co-publishing line and pencil signature are the anchors to verify. Sheet margins and any foil scuffing should be examined closely under raking light.
Historical Context
By 2012 Hirst had spent over a decade building a print practice through Other Criteria, the publishing house he co-founded in 2005. The Paul Stolper gallery collaboration produced several technically ambitious editions in this period, using glaze and foil to push printmaking past the conventional flat surface.
FAQ
What printing techniques are used in Silver Tears?
It combines inkjet (giclee), a glaze layer, and foilblock, printed on Hahnemühle photo rag ultra smooth 305gsm paper.
How large is the edition?
The edition is 55, each impression signed and numbered by the artist.
Who published it?
It was co-published by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria in 2012.
What should I check on the physical print?
Examine the foilblock surface for scuffs, confirm the pencil signature and numbering, and check the 61.5 x 71cm sheet margins for handling damage.
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.