Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Stop
Summary
'Stop' is a 2017 silkscreen from Damien Hirst's 'Eat the Rich' series, adopting the crisp, minimalist look of a pharmaceutical package while replacing the medicine's name with a single command. Published by Other Criteria at 40 x 30 inches in a signed, numbered edition of 150.
Why It Matters
The imperative 'Stop' reads at once as a traffic sign, a warning label, and a plea, giving the print a tension between the reassuring order of medicine and the anxiety of prohibition. It exemplifies how Hirst mines the design language of the pharmacy to interrogate our reliance on chemical solutions.
Collector Perspective
Within the twelve-part series, 'Stop' carries one of the more universally legible titles, which broadens its appeal. Collectors drawn to Hirst's conceptual pharmaceutical strand will find the edition of 150 and Other Criteria publishing a dependable foundation. It pairs naturally with other 'Eat the Rich' prints for those building a set.
Historical Context
The series revisits territory Hirst opened with his 'Medicine Cabinets' and the thirteen-part 'Last Supper' prints, both of which repurposed the trusted graphics of medicine and consumption. 'Stop' continues his long inquiry into the body, mortality, and the industries that promise to manage both.
FAQ
What are the dimensions and edition size?
The print is 40 x 30 inches (1016 x 762 mm), signed and numbered in an edition of 150, published by Other Criteria.
What does the title refer to?
In 'Eat the Rich', each medicine's brand name is swapped for a word implying force or command; here it is the single word 'Stop'.
Is this a screenprint or a photographic work?
It is a silkscreen (screenprint), the medium used across the twelve prints in the series.
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.