zeven en een halve batz, noodmunt uit Frankenthal, geslagen tijdens het beleg door Verdugo 1623

Editor: Here we have "Zeven en een halve batz, noodmunt uit Frankenthal, geslagen tijdens het beleg door Verdugo," a coin from 1623. It appears quite damaged and roughly shaped. What strikes you about the visual aspects of this object? Curator: Its crude rhomboid shape, coupled with the severe damage and wear, contributes to a powerful, if unintentional, aesthetic. Observe the incised lettering – note how its radial arrangement reinforces the coin's shape. The central triangular motif is interesting, establishing a figure-ground relationship of dynamic visual tension, especially considering the overall irregularity. Editor: The "imperfections" contribute to it! Is there anything else in the craftsmanship you would highlight? Curator: Indeed. Consider the patina and texture acquired through time and the tumultuous historical context of its creation. It presents an aesthetic paradox; a supposed symbol of value, formed quickly with perhaps unskilled artisans because it needed to be distributed in a place under siege. In that context, it conveys a quiet message about utility versus high art. This tension and raw form becomes its artistic value. Editor: That makes the artistic impression richer when appreciating this object. Thanks so much! Curator: You're welcome. A deeper appreciation emerges when focusing solely on its form and materiality rather than solely its historical context, wouldn't you agree?