Tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, Amphipolis c. 336

Editor: Here we have a silver tetradrachm of Alexander the Great, made during his reign, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The portrait feels very idealized. What do you see in this piece as a record of its time? Curator: This coin served as a powerful tool of propaganda. Note how Alexander is depicted not just as a ruler, but with features associated with deities. This elevates his status, reinforcing his authority and projecting an image of invincibility across his vast empire. What do you make of that? Editor: That makes sense. It’s like a portable advertisement, shaping public perception and legitimizing his rule through visual cues and symbolism. Curator: Exactly. And the very act of mass producing these coins and distributing them widely speaks to the centralized control Alexander sought to establish. Consider this coin not just as currency, but as a political statement. Editor: I see it now. The coin becomes a medium of power and control. Curator: Precisely, and that understanding helps us interpret the art of that era.