Are Damien Hirst prints a good investment?

Whether or not Damien Hirst prints are a good investment will depend upon a range of factors such as condition, rarity and more. The British artist initially came to the attention of the art world for his curating skills, bursting onto the scene with the now legendary exhibition “Freeze,” which he organized in a derelict southeast London dock warehouse in 1988. But what earned him notoriety were his in-your-face artworks, such as a dead cow’s head and flies and a menagerie of sliced up animals, as well as his rock-and-roll lifestyle of boozing, drug taking and exhibitionism. In 2008, Hirst bypassed his established dealers and sold more than 200 works at auction for $170 million.

Determining the value of any collectible depends upon a variety of aspects. Because Hirst, a former member of the Young British Artists movement, is so well-known for his provocative sculptures and other works of Conceptual art, this can have a positive effect on the long-term value of his prints.

New collectors are often directed toward prints as a starting point. Accessibility, however, does not mean prints appreciate at a different pace from other mediums. The market for paintings increases parallel to the prints market. It's good to keep in mind that price is not the only practical reason to embrace the medium. Prints are often a more feasible way of acquiring works by an artist you love but who tends to create objects you could never house.

Hirst has frequently landed on animals and insects when searching for subjects for his prints and other works that could capture the fragility and fleetingness of existence. His lush, blood-red series of giclée prints titled “The Empresses” contains five different editions, each named for a historical female ruler, and each printed with a complex pattern of butterflies on aluminum accented with glitter.

At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor.

Find a range of authentic Damien Hirst prints and other art on 1stDibs.