Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Summary
Tetrahydrocannabinol is a 2004 single spot etching in a wide format, sheet size 111.2 x 200.6 cm, published in an edition of 115. Named after the active compound in cannabis, it stretches Hirst's spot grid across an unusually horizontal expanse, giving the familiar motif a panoramic presence.
Why It Matters
The exceptional width, roughly two meters, sets this etching apart from the more standard formats in the pharmaceutical series. Combined with the instantly recognizable, provocative title, it is one of the more distinctive spot etchings, appealing to collectors seeking scale and a memorable name.
Collector Perspective
Each impression is signed on the front and numbered on the reverse of the sheet, in an edition of 115. The panoramic dimensions require bespoke framing and careful handling to keep the large sheet flat. Confirm the recto signature and the condition of the extended margins.
Historical Context
Naming a spot etching after THC typifies Hirst's willingness to draw titles from across the chemical and pharmacological spectrum, from sedatives to recreational compounds. The 2004 etchings brought this catalog of substances into intaglio, extending the spot project's clinical logic to a grand scale.
FAQ
How large is the sheet?
It measures 111.2 x 200.6 cm, about 44 x 79 inches, an unusually wide format.
What is the edition size?
It was published in an edition of 115 in 2004.
What does the title refer to?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in cannabis, in keeping with Hirst's chemical titling.
How is it signed?
Signed on the front and numbered on the reverse of the sheet.
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.