About this artwork
Editor: This is a coin, possibly from Sardis, minted under Philip II. It's small, about 4.5 grams, with a worn visage of Philip himself on one side. What do you make of this tiny portal to the past? Curator: A portal indeed! I see power and propaganda, compressed into a humble, everyday object. Imagine holding that coin, feeling the weight of an empire in your palm. Do you see the temple on the reverse? Editor: Yes, a bit worn, but I see the columns. Curator: That's a statement! Philip II associating himself with civic and religious structures; projecting permanence. What a smart tyrant. What stories it could tell. Editor: I never thought of a coin telling a story. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! May your pockets be filled with such stories!
Coin of Sardis? under Philip II
244 - 249
Artwork details
- Dimensions
- 4.52 g
- Location
- Harvard Art Museums
- Copyright
- CC0 1.0
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About this artwork
Editor: This is a coin, possibly from Sardis, minted under Philip II. It's small, about 4.5 grams, with a worn visage of Philip himself on one side. What do you make of this tiny portal to the past? Curator: A portal indeed! I see power and propaganda, compressed into a humble, everyday object. Imagine holding that coin, feeling the weight of an empire in your palm. Do you see the temple on the reverse? Editor: Yes, a bit worn, but I see the columns. Curator: That's a statement! Philip II associating himself with civic and religious structures; projecting permanence. What a smart tyrant. What stories it could tell. Editor: I never thought of a coin telling a story. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! May your pockets be filled with such stories!
Comments
Share your thoughts