Gauntlet Gallery — Complete Damien Hirst Print Index
Vespula Vidua
Work Summary & Collector Notes
Vespula Vidua is a 2012 glazed silkscreen from Damien Hirst's spot series, published by Other Criteria in an edition of 100. At 92.7 x 111.8 cm it is one of the larger spot prints, filling a wide grid with individually inked, non-repeating colour spots. Its title, drawn from a wasp species, and its signed, numbered status mark it within Hirst's taxonomy-driven naming.
Collector notes: The saved release record describes: Edition of 100. The saved release record describes: signed; numbered. Verify each feature against a documented example of this edition.
Why It Matters
While many spot prints carry pharmaceutical names, Vespula Vidua takes its title from a species of wasp, showing how Hirst extends his naming system into the broader language of scientific classification. The generous scale and edition of 100 make it a substantial, relatively scarce example of the motif that defines his editioned work.
Collector Perspective
At nearly a metre wide, this is a statement piece with major wall presence, and its edition of 100 lends scarcity. The large glazed surface calls for careful, glare-aware framing and handling. Collectors should confirm the pencil signature and numbering, and examine the wide field for any surface disturbance before acquiring a sheet of this scale.
Historical Context
Hirst's spot paintings, begun in 1988, follow the rule that no colour repeats within a work. As prints through Other Criteria, each spot is inked individually, making the series labour-intensive. Where many titles cite pharmaceuticals, some, like Vespula Vidua, borrow from zoological nomenclature, underscoring Hirst's recurring engagement with science and the natural world.
Documented Release Details
- Object type
- Editioned screenprint
- Release date
- 2012
- Release-date note
- Catalog-listed release year from the saved secondary record; primary release-page confirmation remains pending.
- Medium and materials
- Screen Print; catalog dimensions 92.7 x 111.8 cm; Silkscreen print with glaze.
- Edition details
- The saved release record describes: Edition of 100.
- 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: Hirst's spot paintings, begun in 1988, follow the rule that no colour repeats within a work. 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 2012 and attributes the edition to Other Criteria.
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 Other Criteria. 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
What is the edition size?
Vespula Vidua was released in an edition of 100, each signed and numbered.
What does the title refer to?
It is the scientific name of a wasp species; Hirst draws spot-print titles from scientific classifications as well as pharmaceuticals.
How large is the print?
It measures 92.7 x 111.8 cm, among the larger prints in the spot series.
What is the finish?
A silkscreen with a clear glaze that adds gloss and depth to the surface.
