Coin of Antiochos VIII Grypos of Syria, Antioch c. 121 - 196

Editor: Here we have a coin of Antiochos VIII Grypos of Syria. It's quite small, and the wear and tear make the imagery hard to decipher. What formal qualities stand out to you? Curator: The coin’s circular form immediately commands attention, drawing the eye into its contained space. Observe how the artist utilizes relief to create depth, despite the coin's flattened nature. What do you discern from the distribution of light and shadow? Editor: I notice the raised areas catch more light, defining the figures, but the dark pitted surfaces obscure details. Curator: Precisely. This interplay of light and shadow is crucial. It accentuates the textured surface, hinting at the material's age and transformation over time. The circular format, with the arrangement of the images it holds, functions as a microcosm, a complete world within its own boundary. Considering these elements, what meaning do you derive from the coin’s composition?