White Cube, London
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate although the overall tonality is deeper and richer in the actual work. The catalogue illustration also fails to accurately convey the rich texture and depth of the actual surface. Condition: This work is in very good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Flies: The Martyrdom of Saint James the Greater

Take your place
In the mountain of meat,
In the history of men.
Left out to rot – sun high, in the heat
Of the war to end all wars.
The continuous war.
This riot – the foolishness of war
Is the end of the line for all.
Poetic creatures, soft boiled eggs
Seek solace in romance,
In a time of war.
Death, martyrdom, suicide, ascension,
Timid heroes rise and fall
In the rise of shadow and death.
Theology, philosophy, medicine, justice,
The four pillars of the ancient earth
Long ago collapsed under the weight
Of our stillborn charity.
No time left for romantic change.
This is the age of war.
It is war that surrounds us.
Complete destruction, treason
And entropic certainty.
The collapse of the gingerbread house.
In his infinite wisdom
The fool left the light on
With no witness left to witness
The triumph of death.
Black shadow on perfect landscape.
An otherwise perfect day.
The holy trinity replaced
By the Three Stooges.
Boiled alive.
Burnt to death.
Born dead.

Damien Hirst cited in The Cancer Chronicles, London 2003, p. 9