Hidden Depths Limited Edition Prints

This painting explores the hidden journey of doxorubicin, a chemotherapy drug whose origins lie beneath our feet. At its centre, the soil bacterium Streptomyces peucetius is shown disrupting the DNA double helix; a symbolic representation of the way anthracycline chemotherapy prevents cancer cells from growing and dividing.

In the 1950s, scientists searching for naturally occurring compounds with anticancer activity began investigating soil-dwelling bacteria. One such organism, Streptomyces peucetius, isolated from soil in southern Italy, led to the discovery of daunorubicin and, later, doxorubicin, an anthracycline now used to treat a wide range of cancers. Today, the drug is produced using carefully engineered strains of the same bacterium.

Doxorubicin is used to treat many cancers, including breast cancer, lymphomas, leukaemias and soft tissue sarcomas. It works by preventing cancer cells from copying and repairing their DNA. By blocking an enzyme called topoisomerase II and damaging the DNA itself, the drug causes rapidly dividing cancer cells to die. Hidden Depths reveals how one of the world's most powerful cancer treatments began with a humble soil bacterium, reminding us that beneath our feet lie discoveries capable of changing and saving millions of lives.

Hand signed, giclée print on 310 gsm Museum Heritage acid-free paper, meeting the highest museum quality archival standards. Images displayed are of the original artwork. Print images to follow. 

Sizes available are 40 x 40 cm and 50 x 50cm with an additional white border for signature and edition number. 

This is a limited edition with only 30 available.

Shipping is usually within 1 week and sent next day special delivery, tracked and signed for. The art is carefully packed in a solid cardboard tube and wrapped in acid-free paper.

COLLECTION - if you are local to Hitchin and would prefer to collect, please send me a direct message.

Care Advice

Please keep the print out of direct sunlight and frame under acrylic or glass protection (ideally UV protected) to avoid deterioration in pigments.

Please make sure your hands are clean and remove the print carefully from the packaging.