Controversial artist Damien Hirst unveiled his latest creation today at London’s White Cube gallery. A diamond encrusted platinum cast of an 18th century man’s skull. The skull is covered by 8,601 diamonds that total 1,106 carats, including a large pink diamond in the center of the forehead, valued at over $8 million.

Hirst, who specializes in the macabre, has other works in the exhibition, including pickled animals, a flayed human statue holding it’s own skin, and a series of photos of an operation.

The artist says the skull shows that we aren’t going to live forever and also conveys a feeling of victory over death. Personally, I think the work more clearly shows that you can take it with you.

Hirst financed the skull himself and says it cost somewhere between $20 and $30 million. The purchase price of the skull is $98 million. Now, I realize that it probably took a fair amount of time to glue 8,601 diamonds onto a skull, but even if it took 60 hours, that’s $1 million an hour. Not bad pay for a crafter. I bet Martha Stewart is proud.

Source: Reuters

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