Tetradrachm of Mithridates, 300 B.C., from the Ancient Coins series (N180) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This chromolithograph of a Tetradrachm coin dating back to 300 B.C. was created by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The image presents a detailed profile on a circular coin, set against a subtly patterned background. The limited palette, primarily in shades of gray, emphasizes the texture and form. Notice how the engraver uses fine, curved lines to define the subject’s hair, creating a sense of depth and movement within the rigid profile. The coin's circular form is sharply defined, which contrasts with the soft, organic motifs in the background. The coin, traditionally a symbol of economic and political stability, is juxtaposed with the medium of chromolithography, used here for mass production. The artwork destabilizes the established meaning of the coin as a unique, valuable artifact by reproducing it as a common, widely distributed image. This subversion engages with post-structuralist ideas, which question fixed meanings and explore how context alters perception. It’s a compelling example of how art can challenge values and categories through its form and presentation.