Medallion of Phokas (forgery) c. 602 - 610

Curator: This is a purported Medallion of Phokas, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The tarnished metal gives it a rather somber feel, doesn't it? The worn surface suggests a long history, or at least, the intention to imply one. Curator: Indeed. The imagery, though, is what speaks volumes. On one side, we have a portrait of Phokas himself, and on the reverse, a cross framed by laurel wreaths—classic symbols of power and victory. The visual language here is about legitimizing authority. Editor: And the materiality… considering its listed weight, the labor invested in minting and distributing forgeries like this would be quite interesting to trace. Who benefits, and what message were they attempting to circulate? Curator: Exactly. The very act of replicating these symbols reveals what elements of authority are deemed powerful, what narratives they are trying to perpetuate. Editor: It makes you wonder about the economic and social conditions that gave rise to such forgeries. Curator: It's a potent reminder that even forgeries can offer genuine insights. Editor: A fascinating case study of power dynamics, wouldn’t you agree?