Tetradrachm of Antigonos III Doson of Macedonia c. 229

Curator: Here we have a Tetradrachm of Antigonos III Doson of Macedonia, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The relief is strikingly pronounced. It's such a small object, yet the figures possess a monumentality. Curator: Indeed. One side presents a powerful Zeus head, the embodiment of authority. The other depicts a figure seated, perhaps Apollo, holding a small statue. Editor: The seated figure creates a sense of contemplative power, while the Zeus profile, rendered with such detail on this small coin, communicates immediate authority and divine right. Curator: Coins weren't merely currency; they were potent symbols, disseminating the ruler’s image and values far and wide. The deity depicted on this coin, would be recognised and honoured throughout the Macedonian kingdom. Editor: It's a fascinating blend of art and propaganda, isn't it? The texture and form work together to communicate strength, status, and divine favor. Curator: Precisely, and the enduring impact of classical imagery resonates even today. Editor: A tiny artwork, yet packed with meaning and power.