Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King Antiochus II Theos
261-246 BCE, Reign of Antiochus II Theos (261–246 BCE)
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
141566
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The front (obverse) of this coin portrays a young Antiochus facing right and wearing a diadem, the ends of which flutter behind him. On the back (reverse) the god Apollo is depicted nude, seated on an omphalos. He holds two arrows in his extended right hand, while his lowered left arm leans on a bow which slants against his seat. His hair is rolled at the nape of his neck with two loose locks reaching his shoulders.
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...