Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Two Birds With Blossom (Small)
Summary
Two Birds With Blossom (Small) is a 2012 lithograph from Other Criteria, signed and numbered in an edition of 75, measuring 495 x 380 mm (19 x 15 inches). It reproduces one of Hirst's Devon-studio still-life paintings, pairing exotic birds with blossoming branches in a traditional composition.
Why It Matters
The addition of blossom brings a seasonal, transient element to the still life, reinforcing the memento mori undertone that runs through this personal body of work. Painted from life rather than produced through Hirst's studio system, the source image carries a hand-worked intimacy that the lithograph preserves at an approachable scale.
Collector Perspective
Signed and numbered at 75 impressions, this is a mid-range collectible with clear decorative and thematic appeal. The blossom motif gives it a lyrical quality that distinguishes it from the plainer bird prints in the group. As a (Small) edition, it has a larger companion; verify the format and the signature-and-numbering before purchase.
Historical Context
This work belongs to Hirst's more personal Devon still lifes, which return to traditional genre painting while smuggling in his recurring preoccupations. Blossom is a classic emblem of fleeting beauty, aligning the image with the memento mori tradition that threads through Hirst's career from the butterflies to the skull, here rendered gently through birds and flowers.
FAQ
What is the edition size?
It is a signed and numbered lithograph in an edition of 75, published by Other Criteria in 2012.
What does the blossom signify?
Blossom is a traditional emblem of transience, reinforcing the memento mori theme in Hirst's still-life work.
What are the dimensions?
It measures 495 x 380 mm, approximately 19 x 15 inches.
Was this painted by Hirst himself?
Yes. The source paintings in this series were painted from life by Hirst in his Devon studio, a more personal process than his collaborative works.
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.