Tetradrachm of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria c. 138

Editor: This is a silver Tetradrachm of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria. The craftsmanship is so detailed, despite its small scale. How would you interpret this work from a formalist perspective? Curator: Observe the textures achieved in the relief. The obverse presents a regal portrait, note the laurel wreath. On the reverse, the goddess Nike conveys victory. Do you notice how the composition uses bilateral symmetry to convey balance and stability? Editor: Yes, the mirroring on either side of Nike is quite striking. So you're saying the arrangement of elements reinforces the coin's message of power? Curator: Precisely. The coin visually communicates the ruler's authority and prosperity, leveraging the intrinsic visual language of power. Editor: That's fascinating. I never considered how the formal elements could speak so clearly. Curator: Indeed. Formal analysis invites us to decipher the silent language of art.