It sold.

Damian's skull, that is. According to Reuter's, an investment firm has purchased it, but D.H. has retained partial rights to it, so that it may go on a global tour and generate more income (don't forget, Hirst's agent used to promote circus acts).

"As an indication of the wealth he has amassed since being spotted in 1991 by art collector Charles Saatchi, Hirst, who financed the skull himself, said he couldn't remember whether it had cost 10 or 15 million pounds to make....

He rejected suggestions that his works were more a standing joke against the art establishment than real works of art.

But when asked at the time of the exhibition what his next project would be he immediately replied: 'Two diamond skeletons shagging -- no just kidding.' "