Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
The Souls II (Chilli Red / Silver Gloss / Oriental Gold)
Summary
The Souls II (Chilli Red / Silver Gloss / Oriental 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 presents a single butterfly in a warm red, silver, and gold palette.
Why It Matters
The chilli red variant brings heat and vibrancy to the memento mori theme, the warm hue reading as life and vitality against the stillness of the specimen form. Printed on heavyweight Arches archival stock, this configuration exemplifies how Hirst uses colour choice to modulate the emotional register of an otherwise fixed image.
Collector Perspective
An edition of 15 on premium 300gsm Arches paper positions this as a serious, well-made collector object. The red-forward palette is visually assertive and photographs more legibly than cooler metallic variants. Verify the pencil signature and number, and inspect the foil for scuffing, the most common condition concern on these works.
Historical Context
Part of the four-butterfly, eighty-colourway Souls project of 2010, this sheet reflects Hirst's ongoing partnership with Paul Stolper and his own Other Criteria imprint. It continues the butterfly-as-soul iconography central to his practice since the early 1990s, now refined into a jewel-toned foil edition.
FAQ
What paper is this printed on?
It is printed on 300gsm Arches 88, a heavyweight archival cotton paper prized for durability and print quality.
How many colours are in the foil block?
This variant uses a three-colour foil block: chilli red, silver gloss, and oriental gold.
Who published the work?
It was published jointly by Paul Stolper and Other Criteria.
Is it signed and numbered?
Yes, each impression is signed and numbered from the edition of 15.
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.