Coin of Phokas c. 604 - 605

Editor: Here we have a coin, "Coin of Phokas," by Phokas. What strikes me is how such a small object contains so much detail. What do you see in its form and design? Curator: Notice the incised lines forming the figures. The composition directs our gaze to the central figures, achieved through skillful manipulation of relief and contour. Editor: The figures on the coin appear rather stiff, almost hieratic. Is that intentional? Curator: Indeed. The formal qualities – the symmetry, the limited modeling – suggest a deliberate emphasis on symbolic representation rather than naturalism. The coin's physical condition is also integral to understanding its form. Editor: That's a great point! I see the material, and the craftsmanship in a new light now. Curator: Precisely. Examining the interplay of design and decay allows for a richer understanding.