Tetradrachm of Heliokles c. 135

Curator: This is a tetradrachm, a silver coin, of Heliokles I, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The relief is quite striking, isn’t it? Even in this miniature scale, you can feel the weight of authority. Curator: Absolutely, and consider its function – currency! It's not just art; it facilitated trade, paid soldiers, and funded empires. The materiality of the silver itself speaks to power and wealth. Editor: Note how the artist, Heliokles himself, uses line and form to convey the king’s profile. The strong jaw, the regal diadem - it's all carefully composed for maximum impact. Curator: Exactly, each coin was a product of labor, reflecting social structures and economic realities. It’s a window into the workings of an ancient society. Editor: I find it remarkable how much expressive power is packed into such a small format. Curator: Indeed, a tiny object with a very large story to tell about labor and power. Editor: It offers a unique insight when we think about the artist's choices.