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Damien Hirst H10 - The Empress
The Empresses
The Empresses is a vibrant and opulent series of limited edition prints by renowned British artist Damien Hirst. Released in 2022, the series comprises five dazzling prints named after powerful female rulers from history: Wu Zetian, Nur Jahan, Theodora, Suiko, and Catherine the Great. Each work is a bold exploration of power, beauty, and legacy, rendered in Hirst’s signature kaleidoscopic style using richly coloured butterfly wings.
The prints are produced using laminated giclée on aluminium composite panels, finished with a high-gloss resin coating that enhances their luminous, jewel-like quality. Measuring 100 x 100 cm, each edition is striking in both scale and visual impact.
The Empresses reflects Hirst’s ongoing interest in transformation, symbolism, and the natural world. Butterflies—frequent motifs throughout his career—are used here to evoke both fragility and eternal beauty. In these works, they also become emblems of female strength and the transcendent power of history.
Each print is named in honour of a different empress, celebrating figures who shaped the cultural and political landscapes of their time. Hirst invites viewers to consider not only their individual stories, but also the idea of enduring influence across time and geography.
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Completed in 2022 and published by HENI Editions, The Empresses (H10) is a captivating series of five large-scale prints by Damien Hirst. Each work features a dazzling composition of butterfly wings, arranged into intricate, symmetrical patterns that radiate with colour, texture, and symbolism. The series is available both as physical artworks and in digital NFT format, marking Hirst’s continued exploration of art in both traditional and innovative mediums.
Each print is a laminated giclée on aluminium composite panel, screen printed with glitter to create a rich, jewel-like surface. The shimmering finish intensifies the visual impact of the butterfly motifs, offering a sense of luxury and reverence befitting the historical figures they represent.
As the title suggests, the series pays tribute to five iconic female rulers: Wu Zetian, Nur Jahan, Theodora, Suiko, and Taytu Betul. Each Empress is celebrated for her unique contributions to history and culture—ranging from political reform and religious influence to military strategy and artistic patronage. Hirst’s selection spans centuries and continents, creating a global narrative of feminine power and influence.
The Empresses is both a celebration of natural beauty and a reflection on legacy, transformation, and resilience. With only 1,000 editions of each print available, this series has become a coveted addition to Damien Hirst’s body of work and a standout for collectors of contemporary art.
The series was released in both physical and digital formats. Collectors could purchase the artworks either as laminated giclée prints or as NFTs, or claim both through a “phygital” model. All works sold by Lougher are physical copies.
The five empresses were selected for their historical influence and global reach—spanning imperial China, the Mughal Empire, Byzantine rule, early Japan, and 19th-century Ethiopia.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the works reference cultural legacies and stories of power, resilience, and leadership. The series invites reflection on the overlooked impact of women in history
Butterflies have long featured in Hirst’s art, symbolising life, death, and transformation. The Empresses continues this theme with new emphasis on female strength and legacy.
One of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to acquire artwork by Damien Hirst is through Lougher Contemporary. As a leading contemporary art gallery, we offer carefully curated works by Hirst, reflecting strong demand from our global collector base. Selected editions from his most sought-after series, including H10, are available to purchase directly from our website.
We provide a seamless buying experience with transparent pricing, expert advice, and worldwide shipping. Whether you're looking to start your collection or add to an existing portfolio, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
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