Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
The Souls III (Silver Gloss / Burgundy / Cool Gold)
Summary
The Souls III (Silver Gloss / Burgundy / Cool Gold / Cotton White) is a 2010 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 pairs deep burgundy with silver, gold, and a cotton-white ground.
Why It Matters
The burgundy-and-white combination lends this variant a sombre, almost ecclesiastical gravity, the darker tones underscoring the memento mori theme more explicitly than the brighter colourways. Its layered palette demonstrates the range Hirst achieves within the fixed butterfly form through metallic foil alone.
Collector Perspective
Darker, richer colourways like III appeal to collectors seeking a more contemplative register within the Souls series. The edition of 15 and archival Arches paper signal a serious edition. As with all foil works, the reflective surface is the primary condition consideration; examine closely for handling marks before acquisition.
Historical Context
Issued as part of the 2010 four-butterfly, eighty-colourway Souls project with Paul Stolper and Other Criteria, this sheet extends Hirst's enduring butterfly iconography. The insect's long-standing associations with the soul, death, and regeneration make it one of the most literal expressions of his central artistic preoccupations.
FAQ
What colours make up this variant?
It combines silver gloss, burgundy, cool gold, and a cotton-white ground.
How rare is this colourway?
It exists in an edition of only 15, one of eighty distinct colourways in the Souls series.
What paper was used?
It is printed on 300gsm Arches 88 archival paper.
Is it hand-signed?
Yes, each impression is signed and numbered by the artist.
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.