Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
The Souls I (Leaf Green / Emerald Green / Cool Gold)
Summary
The Souls I (Leaf Green / Emerald Green / Cool Gold) is a 2010 three-colour foil block on 300gsm Arches 88 archival paper, measuring 72 x 51 cm. Signed and numbered in an edition of 15 and published by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria, it renders a single butterfly in cool, verdant greens and gold.
Why It Matters
The green-and-gold palette evokes growth, renewal, and the natural world, giving this variant an organic, botanical resonance distinct from the warmer configurations. As the first composition in the series, The Souls I anchors the project's dialogue between the fragility of the specimen and the enduring shimmer of metallic foil.
Collector Perspective
Cool green colourways are among the more restrained and elegant options in the Souls range, appealing to collectors who favour naturalistic tones. With only 15 impressions and heavyweight Arches stock, it is a substantial edition. Prioritize foil condition and framing under museum glass to preserve the reflective surface.
Historical Context
This sheet belongs to the 2010 Souls project of four butterflies across eighty colourways, produced with Paul Stolper and Other Criteria. It carries forward the butterfly symbolism Hirst has used since his earliest exhibitions, where the insect stood at the intersection of spirituality, mortality, and visual beauty.
FAQ
What colours define this variant?
It combines leaf green, emerald green, and cool gold in a three-colour foil block.
What is the edition size?
It is signed and numbered from an edition of 15.
What are the dimensions?
The sheet measures 72 x 51 cm on 300gsm Arches 88 archival paper.
Who published it?
It was published by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria in 2010.
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.