Byzantine coin 

Editor: This is a Byzantine coin from the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn texture and the slightly illegible figures give it an air of mystery. What strikes you about its formal qualities? Curator: The coin presents an interesting interplay of relief and surface. Note how the incised imagery creates a dynamic tension with the coin's irregular shape, fragmenting the composition. Do you notice the contrast in textures? Editor: Yes, the smooth, worn areas versus the rougher, corroded parts really emphasize its age and history of use. How does that texture contribute to the coin's overall aesthetic? Curator: It introduces a visual dichotomy—refined design versus the destructive forces of time. This tension elevates the coin beyond mere currency to a study of impermanence and enduring artistry. Editor: That’s fascinating; I hadn’t considered the deliberate contrast. Curator: Indeed, the interplay between form and decay generates a compelling narrative about the passage of time.