Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Editor: This is a Stavraton, a coin likely made during the reign of John V. The imagery feels very stylized and rigid, almost like a deliberate distancing from naturalism. What can you tell me about its significance in the context of its time? Curator: As currency, it’s more than just an economic tool. Consider the image of the ruler it projects. What message is being sent through its imagery about power, authority, and perhaps even divine right? Think about how these symbols are received and understood by the populace. Editor: So it’s about communicating power through a medium accessible to everyone, not just the elite. Curator: Exactly! It becomes a circulating piece of propaganda, shaping perceptions and reinforcing social hierarchies. Analyzing it within the framework of Byzantine political history reveals its true influence. Editor: That makes me think differently about something as simple as a coin. Curator: Indeed. Art is always embedded within a social, cultural, and political context.