Tetradrachm of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria c. 2th century

Curator: This is a tetradrachm of Antiochos VII Eurgetes of Syria, a silver coin currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The worn metal gives it a certain melancholy, doesn't it? Despite its small size, the figures seem imposing. Curator: Absolutely. The portrait on one side shows Antiochos with a strong, idealized profile, meant to convey power and authority. On the reverse is Athena, a symbol of wisdom and warfare, further reinforcing his image. Editor: And made of silver! The materiality of this coin is fascinating. It’s not just art, but currency—a tangible representation of the kingdom's wealth and the labor required to mine, refine, and mint the metal. Curator: Precisely. It's a symbolic object, blending economic, political, and religious messages. It was meant to circulate, spreading the image of Antiochos and his values throughout his domain. Editor: Thinking about the hands that touched this coin, the markets it passed through, really grounds the artwork in the social realities of its time. Curator: It’s a potent reminder that art and power have always been intertwined. Editor: Indeed, a tiny object holding so much history.