Tetradrachm of Cleopatra Thea and Antiochos VII c. 123

Editor: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Cleopatra Thea and Antiochos VII. The material is quite interesting—how the artist, Cleopatra III Thea, has managed to capture such detail in such a small space. What strikes you most about the formal elements of this piece? Curator: The bilateral symmetry on both sides of the coin, in the profiles and in the figure, produces a cohesive visual experience. Do you notice the use of relief? The figures emerge from the surface, creating a three-dimensional effect within a limited space. Editor: I see it now! It really emphasizes the importance of the figures depicted. Curator: Precisely! The composition directs our attention, demanding a closer look at its texture. Editor: It's amazing how much a small coin can tell us about artistic techniques. Curator: Indeed, the coin exemplifies the power of form.