Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: We're looking at a coin by Manuel I, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s small, just a few grams, and the brown patina suggests age. What strikes you about its visual composition? Curator: The coin's form, though simple, speaks volumes. Observe the careful arrangement of figural elements within a confined circular space. The wear, the distressed texture, contributes to the coin's aesthetic value, enriching its inherent qualities. Editor: So, you're saying the coin's aged condition actually adds to its artistic appeal? Curator: Precisely. The erosion reveals a history, a dialogue between the object and time, enhancing its textural complexity and overall aesthetic. A complete, pristine coin would arguably lack the same depth. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks for pointing out the beauty in the coin's texture. Curator: My pleasure. It highlights how the formal elements, in their interaction, generate meaning and artistic merit.