Drachm (Coin) Portraying King Varahran II
238-275
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Diam.: 2.6 cm (1 1/16 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
36673
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The front (obverse) of this coin depicts jugate busts of King Varahran II and his Queen, facing to the right, facing a smaller bust (the prince) who looks left. The back (reverse) depicts the King and prince standing at either side of a flaming altar or pyre.
About the Artist
Ancient Greek
The artist known simply as "Ancient Greek" represents the anonymous masters of Attic vase painting, a cornerstone of Classical Greek art from the Archaic and Classical periods (circa 700–300 BCE). Little is known of their personal life, as ancient Greek potters and painters rarely signed their works or left biographical traces; early life and training remain not well documented. These creators ope...