Anonymous Follis c. 1050 - 1060

Editor: Here we have an Anonymous Follis of unspecified date. What strikes me is how worn it is, and the mystery of who handled it. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Its anonymity is precisely the point. This coin circulated widely, embodying the power and reach of the Byzantine state, rather than any individual. How does its circulation influence its meaning and the socio-political landscape of its time? Editor: That's fascinating. So, it's more about the coin's function as a symbol of the state rather than the artistry of the piece? Curator: Exactly! The value wasn't just monetary; it was a visual declaration of authority. And the wear and tear reflects its journey through countless transactions, a tangible record of economic and social life. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It really puts the focus on how art functions within a society and political framework. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, a small object that speaks volumes.