Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the God Zeus
348-336 BCE, issued by King Philip II of Macedonia
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Diam.: 2.8 cm (1 1/8 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
139862
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Coins were an excellent way for leaders to advertise their victories whether in battle or at the Olympic Games. King Philip (reigned 359–336 BCE), father of Alexander the Great, celebrated his win in the horse races at the Olympic Games by issuing this coin, complete with the victory palm in the jockey’s hand.
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...