Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
The Elements - Earth
Summary
The Elements - Earth is a 2020 Damien Hirst giclée print from HENI Editions, Diasec-mounted on an aluminium composite panel at 100 x 100 cm. Issued in an edition of 60 plus 10 artist's proofs, each is numbered and signed, making it a considerably scarcer and more formally editioned work than Hirst's open timed releases.
Why It Matters
As one quarter of the four-part Elements series, Earth invites collectors to pursue a complete set spanning earth, air, fire, and water. The capped edition of 60 plus proofs, combined with hand-numbering and signing, gives it a collector profile closer to traditional fine-art printmaking than Hirst's mass-market drops.
Collector Perspective
The large 100 x 100 cm scale and Diasec mounting deliver a gallery-grade presentation with high visual impact. With only 70 impressions including proofs, this is a genuinely limited work. Collectors assembling the full quartet should watch for matched or complementary numbering across the set, and confirm the hand signature and numbering are present and legible.
Historical Context
Released in 2020 through HENI Editions, The Elements series applied Hirst's decorative visual vocabulary to the classical four elements. The Diasec-mounted aluminium format reflected his preference for durable, contemporary substrates over paper, while the capped, signed-and-numbered edition marked a more conventional collector proposition within his otherwise expansive editioned catalogue.
FAQ
How large is the Elements - Earth edition?
The edition is 60, plus 10 artist's proofs, with each impression numbered and signed.
Is this print hand-signed?
Yes. Unlike Hirst's timed editions, each Elements impression is individually numbered and signed.
What is Diasec mounting?
Diasec is a face-mounting process that bonds the print behind acrylic for a glossy, protective, gallery-quality finish on the aluminium panel.
Is Earth part of a series?
Yes, it is one of four works in the Elements series alongside Air, Fire, and Water.
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.