Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: This is the Half-Stavraton of Manuel II, a coin in the Harvard Art Museums. It feels very small and worn. What strikes you about the coin's composition? Curator: The coin's bilateral symmetry is immediately apparent, even with the wear. Note how the central figures occupy a relatively small area, emphasizing the textured, concentric rings that frame each side. Editor: So, the focus is less on the figure and more on the structural elements? Curator: Precisely. Observe how the lines and shapes create a sense of balance, despite the coin's imperfections and age. The artistry lies in the formal arrangement. Editor: I see that now. I was so focused on the figures I almost missed that. Curator: Indeed, sometimes the most compelling aspects are in the underlying structure.