Medium: Giclée print on aluminium composite panel screen printed with glitter, signed and numbered on verso.

HENI Editions Catalogue Number: H10-3

Good To Know: Unframed, stored in humidity controlled art storage facility, condition report available upon request.

Series: The Empresses

Arty-Fact: The Empresses marks a new iteration in Damien Hirst's exploration of the butterfly as a symbol for freedom, religion, life and death. Each print (x5) depicts images of red and black butterfly wings, arranged into a unique kaleidoscope-like pattern. The carefully positioned wings represent the butterflies in varied moments of flight.

As well as a playful reference to Empress butterflies, the prints are named for five influential female rulers from history: Wu Zetian, Theodora, Nūr Jahān, Suiko and Taytu Betul. Their characters and stories are enhanced by the dominant red tone of the series, evoking life, war, power, anger, love, joy and luck.

Theodora is named for the great Byzantine empress who used her intelligence and savvy to create lasting change in the empire. Born into the lowest class of Byzantine society, Theodora (497-548 CE) rose to power in 527 CE following her marriage to Emperor Justinian. She left a significant impact on the region, namely through implementing new religious and social policies. Indeed, Theodora’s power over the empire left many to wonder if it was her and not Justinian that ruled.

Source: HENI Editions