Follis of Justinian I, Rome c. 538 - 544

Editor: We're looking at a bronze Follis of Justinian I. The design, though worn, is quite striking. What aspects of its composition stand out to you? Curator: The interplay between the effigy and the inscription creates a visual dichotomy. Note how the portrait's profile, with its linear precision, contrasts with the rough, almost chaotic texture of the metal itself. Editor: So you're focusing on the tension between form and material? Curator: Precisely. The coin's value lies not just in its metallic content, but in how the artist manipulates form to convey power and permanence despite the object's fragility. These formal properties are critical to understanding its significance. Editor: I see. It's more than just an old coin; it's a study in contrasts. Curator: Indeed. The coin offers a window into understanding imperial representation and artistic intention.