Damien Hirst

£3,000-£4,000 VALUE (EST.)

AUD5,000-AUD7,000 VALUE (EST.)

CAD5,000-CAD6,000 VALUE (EST.)

CNY25,000-CNY35,000 VALUE (EST.)

€3,000-€5,000 VALUE (EST.)

HKD30,000-HKD35,000 VALUE (EST.)

¥500,000-¥660,000 VALUE (EST.)

$4,000-$5,000 VALUE (EST.)

This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.

Meaning & Analysis

To Lure is a signed photogravure etching on paper produced by renowned contemporary artist, Damien Hirst. The artist produced this print in 2008 as part of a body of works inspired by butterflies. The print shows a spectacular red butterfly with a yellow pattern running across its wings. With its wings outstretched, the butterfly dominates the centre of the composition, commanding the viewer’s attention. The red and yellow of the butterfly contrasts dramatically with the plain black backdrop, demanding the viewer appreciate the natural beauty of this insect.

Butterflies are one of Hirst’s best-known motifs, alongside skulls and diamonds, and the insects have often been incorporated into the artist’s work. The Kaleidoscope series is one of the best examples of Hirst’s fascination with butterflies. In this series, the artist creates impressive patterns of concentric circles which, when looked at closely, are composed of hundreds of different coloured and sized butterflies.

Hirst was attracted to the butterfly due to the symbolism the insect carries. Hirst explains, “I love butterflies because when they are dead they look alive.” Using butterflies in his art is a means for the artist to explore questions of life and death. The artist elaborates that the butterfly embodies the fragility of life and is the perfect visual tool for exploring the theme of death.