Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Spirit
Summary
Spirit (2009) is an etching from Damien Hirst's butterfly series, published by Other Criteria in a signed and numbered edition of 45. Measuring 47.3 x 39.2 cm, it presents a single butterfly in delicate intaglio line against black, its title pointing toward the spiritual dimension that recurs across Hirst's use of the motif.
Why It Matters
Spirit foregrounds one of the butterfly's oldest symbolic associations, the soul in flight, an idea that gives Hirst's insect imagery its quiet religious undertone. Rendered as a fine etching rather than a bold print, it demonstrates the artist's engagement with a traditional, painstaking medium in service of a familiar theme.
Collector Perspective
With just 45 impressions, Spirit is among the more limited butterfly etchings. Its signature, numbering and Other Criteria provenance meet the standards Hirst collectors look for. The evocative title differentiates it within the set, making it attractive to collectors who value the interpretive layer as much as the image itself.
Historical Context
Published in 2009 by Other Criteria, Spirit belongs to a group of etchings whose titles gesture toward love, regeneration, spirituality and death. The butterfly has been characterized in literature and embedded in resin for centuries as an emblem of the soul, a tradition Hirst extends into contemporary printmaking.
FAQ
What edition is Spirit from?
It is from a signed and numbered edition of 45, published by Other Criteria in 2009.
What technique was used?
It is an etching, printed at 47.3 x 39.2 cm.
Does the title carry meaning?
Yes. Spirit references the butterfly's long association with the soul and spirituality, a recurring theme in Hirst's butterfly works.
Is it part of a series?
Yes, it is one of a group of similarly formatted butterfly etchings distinguished by their titles.
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.