Anonymous Follis c. 1050 - 1060

Editor: This is an anonymous follis coin at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s small, dense, and the details are worn, but I am curious about the seated figure and the reverse side with all the lettering. What do you see in this piece, considering its composition? Curator: The coin's formal elements are quite telling. Note the deliberate circular format—it confines and focuses our gaze. The central seated figure is rigidly frontal, creating a sense of iconic presence despite the evident wear. The incised lettering on the reverse is equally significant in its arrangement of forms. Editor: The arrangement of forms? Curator: Yes, the grid-like structure of the inscription contrasts with the rounded figure, creating a visual tension. The coin is not merely a functional object but a carefully designed artifact conveying authority through form and line. The patinated surface adds a layer of complexity, obscuring and revealing simultaneously. Editor: I see. It’s more than just a coin; it's a study in contrasts. Curator: Precisely! Examining these formal qualities allows us to appreciate the intention behind its design, regardless of its anonymous origin.