The Arras Medallion Essay -- Art Analysis

The Arras Medallion was issued to commemorate Constantius Chlorus recovery of Britains and the rescue of capital of the United Kingdom in 296 AD . It is the intention of this semen criticism to evaluate the medallion and determine its value to the study of government and society under Diocletian. The source provides worthful insight into how the tetrarchs presented themselves. It will be suggested that the source reveals the tetrarchs promotion of images that portray them as united and equal. In addition there is a sense of militarism and just practice that the tetrarchs where also keen to promote. Along with corroboration of literary sources and a possible, however slight, example of individualism makes the sources valuable with regards to tetrarchic propaganda.The deciphered legend on the obverse of the coin (Flavius Valerius Constantius awful Caesar) indentifies the figure as Constantius Chlorus. The inclusion of PTA on the bottom of the reverse side indicates that it was mad e it Trier. Given that he is identified as Caesar the coin can be attributed to anywhere between 293 and 305 AD. However, as the reverse shows a depiction of the re-conquest of Britain it was likely commissioned in 296/7 AD . Constantius is seen wearing a laurel coronal and armour and looking to one side. These features along with the stubble beard are key similarities that many tetrarchic coins shared . Indeed the coins of the tetrarchs are so similar in form that without the legend, identification of the individual would be difficult. This was part of the tetrarchs desire to appear united and equal to create contrast with the destructive divisions that occurred during the early third century. correspond to Southern the adoption of Flavius Valerius into his name was also... ...s an example of the tetrarchic unity being challenged. The source also corroborates the literary account and reveals the desire of the tetrarchs to appear just in rule. Whether the source is an accurate depiction of the reaction to the tetrarchs is another matter entirely. Overall, the Arras medallion proves valuable in the study of Diocletians reign as it provides insight into how the tetrarchs cherished to be perceived.BibliographyCasey, P,J,. 1994 Carausius and Allectus The British Usurpers, Routledge, London, 1994Rees, R., 2004 Diocletian and the Tetrachy, Edinburgh University Press Ltd, Edinburgh, 2004Southern, P,. 2001 The Roman Empire from Severus to Constantine, Routledge, London, 2001Internet resourcehttp//tetrarchy.com/coppermine/(accessed 07/04/2012)