In Damien Hirst’s world skulls have a distinct role to play. Like the memento mori or the vanitas, they portray the artist’s obsession with the inevitability of human mortality.

With this sculpture Hirst created the ultimate vanitas: a replica of the skull of a thirty-five year old man from the 18th century, covered with platinum, set with 8601 white diamonds and a 52.4 carat pink diamond mounted on the forehead. Created in 2007, this work became an instant icon that broke all sales records to become the most expensive piece of contemporary art in the world.

The sculpture was accompanied by several editions of screenprints that were enhanced with diamond dust. Each is hand-signed by Hirst.

Why is this a good investment?
Hirst has become a central figure in the canon of contemporary art. No collection is complete without an example of his work. His prints are some of the most widely traded in the art market and have seen buoyant returns in recent years. The diamond encrusted skull is perhaps his single most recognisable image.

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Hidden focuses on sought after, limited edition prints by the most illustrious artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Click here to view more work from our collection.

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