Anonymous Follis c. 1042 - 1050

Editor: This is an Anonymous Follis coin from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s heavily worn, but you can still make out figures. What stands out to you about its imagery? Curator: The Follis coin, even in its worn state, speaks volumes. The cross, prominently displayed, is not merely a symbol, but an invocation, a declaration of faith and authority. What emotions does this worn coin evoke in you? Editor: A sense of history, definitely. The weight of time. Curator: Indeed. The wear itself becomes part of the narrative. Each scratch, each faded detail, a testament to countless exchanges, beliefs, and a civilization's visual language. What do you make of the figure with the halo? Editor: Probably a depiction of Christ, right? It's interesting how a single image can condense so much meaning. Curator: Precisely! The figure’s halo and the cross aren't just decorative; they are potent symbols that bridge the earthly and divine realms, communicating cultural memory through a visual shorthand. It is the image made material. Editor: I hadn’t considered how a coin could act as a memory carrier. Thanks for that insight!