Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Persephone
310-305 BCE
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Diam.: 2.7 cm (1 1/8 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
141564
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The front (obverse) of this coin depicts the head of goddess Persephone (Kara) facing right with a corn wreath; a pendant earring and the inscription KOPΑΣ at Ieft (very worn). There is a dotted border. The back (reverse) depicts the goddess Nike, draped from waist down, her wings spread behind; she raises her head and left arm to place a veil on a trophy (post with armor breastplate, helmet, and shield with greaves below). She holds a hammer downwards in her lowered right 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...