Anonymous Follis c. 1050 - 1060

Editor: Here we have an Anonymous Follis from the Harvard Art Museums. I find it intriguing how such a small, everyday object can tell a story. What do you see in it? Curator: As a historian, I see power dynamics at play. The imagery on coins, like this one, was carefully selected and widely disseminated, shaping public perception. Who was being depicted, and what message were they trying to convey? Editor: That's fascinating! It really puts the "anonymous" aspect into a new light. The images they decided to distribute must have been important. Curator: Exactly. Analyzing the coin's iconography and circulation helps us understand the socio-political landscape of its time and the role art played in reinforcing authority. It also makes you wonder what people thought of those messages. Editor: It's amazing how much information can be gleaned from such a seemingly simple object. I'll never look at a coin the same way again! Curator: Indeed, understanding art is always about understanding its social context.