Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
The Soul On Jacob's Ladder
Summary
The Soul On Jacob's Ladder is a 2005 silkscreen on Somerset satin 410gsm, 100 x 66.7 cm, published by Paul Stolper Gallery in a signed and numbered edition of 155. Drawing on Hirst's butterfly and spiritual imagery, its title invokes the biblical ladder between earth and heaven, a fitting frame for the artist's recurring meditations on the soul.
Why It Matters
The print connects Hirst's butterfly motif, a symbol of the fragile, beautiful and transient, to overt religious iconography. Issued through Paul Stolper in an edition of 155 on heavyweight Somerset paper, it represents the more lyrical, contemplative strand of his editioned work.
Collector Perspective
Signed and numbered, the edition of 155 is moderate in size. The heavyweight Somerset satin support is prized for its surface and durability. Collectors should verify the pencil signature and numbering and inspect the sheet for the clean margins typical of Stolper-published editions.
Historical Context
By 2005 Hirst's butterflies had become a signature emblem of beauty and mortality. Naming the work after Jacob's ladder, the biblical vision of ascent between worlds, ties the transient insect to ideas of the soul and afterlife that recur across his practice.
FAQ
What paper is it printed on?
Somerset satin 410gsm, a heavyweight fine-art paper.
What is the edition size?
It is a signed and numbered edition of 155, published in 2005.
Who published the print?
Paul Stolper Gallery, London.
What does the title reference?
Jacob's Ladder, the biblical vision of a ladder between earth and heaven.
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.