Siglos of Croesus of Lydia, Sardis c. 561

Editor: Here we have the Siglos of Croesus of Lydia from Sardis. It's... well, it's a coin, and it looks quite old, made of a dull silver. What strikes you first about its visual properties? Curator: The most immediate aspect is the planchet's shape itself, deviating from a perfect circle. Its slightly irregular form draws attention to the process of its creation, emphasizing materiality over idealized form. Note the deliberate placement and compression of the lion and bull motifs, how that tension affects the composition. Editor: So, the controlled compression gives it a certain energy? Curator: Precisely. The formal elements are in direct conversation with each other, creating an internal dynamism that transcends its function as mere currency. A fascinating demonstration of form dictating content, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. Thanks for pointing out these aspects!