Coin of Justin II c. 571 - 572

Editor: Here we have a coin, attributed to Justin II. It's difficult to make out details, but the green patina creates an interesting visual texture. What strikes you about the formal qualities of this piece? Curator: Notice the flattening of forms, almost devolving into abstraction. The patination, while obscuring detail, also adds a layer of visual complexity that transcends its original function. It invites us to consider the interplay between decay and inherent design. Editor: So, the value isn’t in the imagery itself, but how the material changes over time? Curator: Precisely. The coin's eroded state becomes a significant formal element, prompting reflections on time, preservation, and the evolving nature of artistic interpretation. Editor: That's a great point; I hadn't considered how time itself could be a collaborator. Curator: Indeed. It transforms our perception of the object.