Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
The Dead (Silver Gloss Topaz Skull)
Work Summary & Collector Notes
The Dead (Silver Gloss Topaz Skull) (2009) is a two-colour foil block print by Damien Hirst, measuring 72 x 51 cm, published by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria in an edition of 15. Twelve impressions were released individually and three reserved for portfolio sets, its metallic foil surface rendering the skull as a lustrous, jewel-toned emblem.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Each an edition of 15: 12 available as individual prints, 3 reserved for portfolio sets. Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
The Dead series brought Hirst's central skull motif into the reflective, decorative language of foil block printing. First shown at Other Criteria's New Bond Street store in October 2009, the group of 30 prints translated the memento mori theme, so associated with his diamond skull, into a shimmering, small-edition format that catches and shifts light.
Collector Perspective
With an edition of just 15, of which only 12 were available as individual prints, this foil block is markedly scarcer than Hirst's larger screenprint runs. The dual Paul Stolper and Other Criteria publication provides strong provenance. Its metallic surface and jewel-named colorway give it a distinct visual identity that sets it apart from his paper-based skull works.
Historical Context
Exhibited in October 2009 at Other Criteria's New Bond Street store, The Dead comprised 30 foil block prints published jointly by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria. The series arrived in the wake of Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull For the Love of God, extending his exploration of mortality and material luxury into the print medium.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned print or object
- Release date
- 2009
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Foil Block; catalog dimensions 72 x 51 cm; Two colour foil block prints.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Each an edition of 15: 12 available as individual prints, 3 reserved for portfolio sets.
- Signature and marks
- Edition-specific signature, numbering, and stamp details were not stated in the saved release record. Verify signing and numbering against a documented example of this edition.
Documented History and Meaning
History note: This page treats Damien Hirst's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.
Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Exhibited in October 2009 at Other Criteria's New Bond Street store, The Dead comprised 30 foil block prints published jointly by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.
Release context: The saved catalog lists 2009 and attributes the edition to Other Criteria. The saved description also notes: Published by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria.
Authentication, Presentation and Provenance
- Original presentation
- Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
- Authentication note
- Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
- Provenance note
- Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Other Criteria. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.
Sources and Verification
Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added
- Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
- Damien Hirst — official site — Damien Hirst studio (Science Ltd.) · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
- Damien Hirst — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
- Damien Hirst (Q294326) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
It is an edition of 15, with 12 available as individual prints and 3 reserved for portfolio sets.
What is the printing technique?
It is a two-colour foil block print, measuring 72 x 51 cm.
Who published it?
It was published jointly by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria.
Where was The Dead series first shown?
At Other Criteria's New Bond Street store in October 2009, as a set of 30 foil block prints.
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