Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
To Begin
Summary
To Begin is a butterfly etching by Damien Hirst, dated 2008 with a 250 x 300 mm image on a 412 x 443 mm sheet, signed and stamped in an edition of 75. Its finely worked butterfly emerges from a black ground like a mounted specimen, the affirmative title opening a phrase-based grouping within the series.
Why It Matters
To Begin shows Hirst deploying the butterfly through the intimate discipline of etching, with an image size compact enough to reward close viewing. Its verb-phrase title, part of a group beginning with 'To,' reads almost as an incantation, layering aspiration onto a motif that has anchored Hirst's visual identity since his early career.
Collector Perspective
The edition of 75, larger than the 45-run butterfly etchings, is offset by its signed-and-stamped presentation and the recognizable series format. The 'To' phrasing invites collectors to assemble the phrase-based works as a set, and the modest sheet size makes it an accessible entry point into Hirst's etched butterflies.
Historical Context
Dated 2008 and part of Hirst's butterfly etchings, To Begin sits within a group whose titles reference love, regeneration, freedom, spirituality and death. The butterfly's centuries-long life in art and literature as a symbol of transformation underpins the forward-looking sense of its title.
FAQ
What are the dimensions of To Begin?
The image is 250 x 300 mm on a 412 x 443 mm sheet.
How is it authenticated?
Each etching is signed and stamped, from an edition of 75.
What year is it dated?
The etching is dated 2008.
Is it part of a titled group?
Yes, it belongs to a set of butterfly etchings whose titles begin with 'To,' reading as evocative phrases.
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.