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Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Athena
The Art Institute of Chicago

Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Athena

Description

The front of this coin depicts the goddess Athena Parthenos wearing a triple crested Athenian helmet, the decorative scheme of which includes a flying Pegasus, palmettes and scrolls; the cheek piece of the helmet is raised, revealing loose curls of hair on the goddess's neck and a pendant earring. A decorative border of dots is partially preserved. On the back an Owl, another symbol of Athena, stands atop a vessel on its side. A diminutive eagle is shown perched at left. The scene is encircled by an olive wreath.

Provenance

Mrs. William Nelson (Helen T.) Pelouze (1866-1953), Chicago; given to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1923.

Dimensions

Diam.: 3 cm (1 3/16 in.)

Movement / Period

greek

Accession No

9655

Curatorial Affinity Stream

Continuing the Universe of Greek

greek • Athens • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries

Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Athena by Greek (about 163 BCE) | PublicArk | PublicArk