Tetarteron of John II, Thessalonika 

Curator: Here we have a Tetarteron of John II, hailing from Thessalonika. It's a small coin, preserved at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Its worn texture and deep brown patina evoke a sense of antiquity, hinting at countless transactions and journeys. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this were not merely currency. They were powerful symbols, miniature pronouncements of imperial authority and religious legitimacy. The image of John II embodies the power of the emperor. Editor: I agree. There's a deliberate attempt to convey power through rigid forms, even within such a small object. The artist used the coin as a way to communicate the figure's importance to those who may use it. Curator: Absolutely. The images and symbols act as cultural memory, invoking the emperor and the strength of the Byzantine empire. Editor: It's fascinating how this humble coin functions as both an economic tool and a lasting symbol of an era. Curator: Precisely, a testament to the enduring power of symbols.