Which signature or marks are documented?

The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition. Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.

Is original packaging or presentation documented?

Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.

How certain are the release details?

The year, edition, dimensions, and medium come from a saved secondary catalog record. Artist-level context is added from general references, but not every release-level field is independently confirmed.

Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index

Valium

Damien Hirst · 2000 · C-Type Photographic Print

Year2000

MediumC-Type Photographic Print

EditionFirst Edition

Edition size500

Dimensions121 x 121 cm

Retail (MSRP)Unknown

PublisherEyestorm

EraPharmaceutical

Collector6/10

Visual7/10

Historical6/10

ScarcityScarce

Work Summary & Collector Notes

Valium , 2000, is a Lambda C-type print on Gloss Fuji Archive paper, published by Eyestorm in a signed and numbered edition of 500. Square at 121 by 121 cm, it takes its title from one of the most recognisable pharmaceutical brand names, framing a spot composition within Hirst's ongoing enquiry into medicine and calm.

Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 500. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.

Why It Matters

Titling a work Valium invokes the promise of chemical tranquillity, and Hirst uses that association to probe how thoroughly modern life is mediated by pharmaceuticals. The orderly grid reads as reassurance and sedation at once, a tension that anchors much of his pharmaceutical output and its commentary on trust in medicine.

Collector Perspective

With 500 signed and numbered examples, Valium is one of the more accessible Hirst photographic editions. Its square format suits contemporary interiors. Collectors should confirm the signature and number, inspect the glossy surface for scratches or fading, and secure documentation tying the sheet to its Eyestorm publication.

Historical Context

Released in the same 2000 Eyestorm wave as Hirst's other pharmaceutical photographs, Valium reflects the publisher's ambition to distribute contemporary editions online. The pharmaceutical naming convention connects the work to Hirst's larger project of treating the pharmacy as a modern cathedral of faith and anxiety.

Documented Release Details

Object type: Editioned print or object
Release date: 2000
Release-date note: Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
Medium and materials: C-Type Photographic Print; catalog dimensions 121 x 121 cm.
Edition details: The saved release record describes: Edition of 500.
Signature and marks: The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.

Documented History and Meaning

History note: This page treats Damien Hirst's broader career as background context, not proof that this specific edition belongs to any single exhibition or event. Release-level facts here come from a saved secondary catalog record.

Meaning / interpretation: Read as documented context rather than stated intent: Released in the same 2000 Eyestorm wave as Hirst's other pharmaceutical photographs, Valium reflects the publisher's ambition to distribute contemporary editions online. This is an interpretive reading of the release context, not a statement of the artist's intent for this specific work. This interpretive note follows the cited artist or publisher context.

Release context: The saved catalog lists 2000 and attributes the edition to Eyestorm. The saved description also notes: Published by Eyestorm.

Authentication, Presentation and Provenance

Original presentation: Original packaging or presentation was not documented in the release sources reviewed.
Authentication note: Compare the support, dimensions, edition number, and signature against a documented example of this edition. Gauntlet Gallery does not authenticate works purchased from third parties.
Provenance note: Edition origin is attributed in the saved record to Eyestorm. That does not establish the ownership history of an individual copy: retain the original invoice, reseller or gallery paperwork, labels, correspondence, and condition photographs.

Sources and Verification

Verification status: Secondary catalog snapshot; artist-level context added

Saved release record — Art Collectorz · secondary catalog snapshot · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Starting record for title, year, edition, dimensions, medium, and release description. Primary confirmation against the original release page remains pending.
Damien Hirst — official site — Damien Hirst studio (Science Ltd.) · primary artist source · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Official artist site; career context, not an individual-edition record.
Damien Hirst — Wikipedia · reference encyclopedia · Accessed 2026-07-13 · General artist-level biographical and career reference.
Damien Hirst (Q294326) — Wikidata · reference knowledge base · Accessed 2026-07-13 · Structured identifier used for the artist across catalog metadata.

FAQ

How large is the edition?

It was published by Eyestorm in a signed and numbered edition of 500.

What are its dimensions?

The print is square, measuring 121 by 121 cm (roughly 48 by 48 inches).

Is it a screenprint?

No. It is a Lambda C-type photographic print on Gloss Fuji Archive paper.

What does the title refer to?

Valium is a widely known pharmaceutical brand, and the title places the work within Hirst's pharmaceutical series exploring medicine, calm and belief.