Damien Hirst

Gagosian Gallery, New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above in 2005

Naples, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, The Agony and the Ecstasy, October 2004 - January 2005

This work appears in very good condition. The elements are stable and firmly attached. There are faint and unobtrusive handling marks and faint scratches to the Plexiglas box. Otherwise, there are no apparent condition problems with this work.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

I suppose I just want people to think, mainly. In this instance, I wanted people to think about the combination of science and religion, basically. People tend to think of them as two very separate things, one cold and clinical, the other emotional and loving and warm. I wanted to leap over those boundaries and give you something that looks clinical and cold, but has all religious, metaphysical connotation, too.
- Damien Hirst