Stavraton of John VIII c. 1425 - 1448

Curator: Here we have the Stavraton of John VIII, part of the numismatic collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The coin's pale metal and worn surface give it a somber, almost ghostly quality. The texture implies a history of handling and exchange. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery of Christ on one side and the emperor on the other wasn't just about economics; it was a powerful declaration of divine authority intertwined with earthly rule. Editor: I'm struck by how the designs, though rudimentary, fill the space. There's a certain balance to the composition, despite the degradation. Curator: It represents the Byzantine worldview, where the spiritual and temporal realms were inseparable. Holding this coin, you're touching a piece of that belief system. Editor: Seeing the physical effects of time on this small object really underscores the fragility of power and belief, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even the most enduring symbols are subject to change and interpretation. Editor: A powerful little artifact, offering so much for reflection.