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Damien Hirst H10-1 Wu Zetian (The Empresses) For Sale
Damien Hirst
H10-1 Wu Zetian (The Empresses), 2022
Laminated Giclée print on aluminium composite, screen printed with glitter
39 3/8 x 39 3/8 in 100 x 100 cm
Edition
Edition of 2,853
About this work
In Damien Hirst's print Wu Zetian, the viewer is transported into the realm of the powerful Chinese Empress, whose reign marked a pivotal era in the Tang Dynasty. Named after this formidable historical figure, the artwork is a masterful display of meticulous symmetry and symbolism. At its center lies a single pair of butterfly wings, encircled by concentric rings of paired wings, creating a mesmerizing hexagonal composition. This arrangement, based on the auspicious number six in Chinese culture, symbolizes completeness and balance, echoing the stability Wu Zetian brought to her empire amidst political challenges.The hexagonal pattern in Wu Zetian invites contemplation of the empress's strategic leadership, as she navigated the complexities of her era. Each pair of wings within the composition seems to vibrate with life, evoking the dynamic energy of Wu Zetian's rule. The butterflies, rendered with meticulous detail, appear poised for flight, capturing a fleeting moment in time. This juxtaposition of stillness and movement reflects the duality of power and fragility, a theme inherent in the empress's legacy.Hirst's choice of vibrant red tones further enhances the artwork's impact, symbolizing life, power, and passion. The use of laminated Giclée print on aluminium composite allows for intricate detail, creating a lifelike quality in the butterfly wings. As the light reflects off the surface, the butterflies seem to come alive, enhancing the sense of vitality and energy within the artwork.Moreover, the composition of Wu Zetian speaks to the cultural significance of its namesake. The arrangement of wings in symmetrical harmony recalls Chinese idioms of good fortune and harmony, emphasizing Wu Zetian's role in bringing stability to her empire. The artwork is not merely a representation but a tribute to the enduring legacy of a female ruler who left an indelible mark on history.Damien Hirst has captured the essence of this remarkable empress through a harmonious interplay of form and symbolism. The artwork invites viewers to delve into the rich history of Wu Zetian's reign, exploring themes of power, balance, and the transient nature of existence. It stands as a testament to the strength and influence of women throughout history, encapsulated in the graceful flutter of butterfly wings.
Price on Application
Auction History
Five works: (i) H10-1 Wu Zetian; (ii) H10-2 Nūr Jahān; (iii) H10-3 Theodora; (iv) H10-4 Suiko; (v) H10-5 Taytu Betul from the series The Empresses · Damien Hirst · Phillips · 2022-10 · $26,950
Five works: (i) H10-1 Wu Zetian; (ii) H10-2 Nūr Jahān; (iii) H10-3 Theodora; (iv) H10-4 Suiko; (v) H10-5 Taytu Betul from the series The Empresses · Damien Hirst · Phillips · 2023-11 · $12,738
Five works: (i) H10-1 Wu Zetian; (ii) H10-2 Nūr Jahān; (iii) H10-3 Theodora; (iv) H10-4 Suiko; (v) H10-5 Taytu Betul from the series The Empresses · Damien Hirst · Phillips · 2023-10 · $11,628
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About Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst prints for sale at Guy Hepner include works from the Spot Paintings, Butterfly editions, Beautiful prints, and Pharmaceutical series. Damien Hirst art for sale and Damien Hirst original art for sale through our New York gallery are sourced from authenticated secondary market collections. We also advise collectors looking to sell Damien Hirst prints — free valuations available.
Damien Hirst is the defining figure of the Young British Artists movement and one of the most collected living artists in the world. His work spans Natural History sculptures, Spot Paintings, Butterfly Works, Spin Paintings, and pharmaceutical installations ? series that have set auction benchmarks at Sotheby's, Christie's, and Phillips across four decades. Collections at Tate Modern, MoMA, and the Guggenheim confirm his standing as one of the essential artists of his generation.
His single-artist auction "Beautiful Inside My Head Forever" generated $198 million at Sotheby's in 2008, a record that remains one of the most significant events in the contemporary art market. Major works including the Lullaby series of medicine cabinets and the Natural History formaldehyde sculptures have each achieved prices above $10 million, while his Spot Paintings and print editions sustain deep, global secondary market activity across all price points.
Guy Hepner Gallery has deep expertise across Damien Hirst's print editions, Spot Paintings, and Butterfly Works, offering acquisition guidance, market valuations, and direct access to available works. Whether you are building a collection or looking to sell, the gallery provides trusted, confidential support for one of the most actively traded names in contemporary art.