Anonymous Follis c. 1050 - 1060

Editor: This is an Anonymous Follis from the Harvard Art Museums. Its surface is heavily weathered, creating a kind of visual texture. What can you tell me about the formal elements at play? Curator: Focus first on the arrangement. The circular plan is critical; it constrains the forms within. What effect does the inscription have, given its relationship to the coin's edge? Editor: It seems to both reinforce the shape, and also fight against it a little, because it’s very angular. Curator: Precisely. Now consider the patina. The verdigris isn't just surface corrosion; it's also a layer of visual information, modulating the underlying forms and creating a sense of age and history. It's interesting how it flattens and obscures, yet also enhances the sense of depth. Editor: I see what you mean. The oxidation adds another layer of complexity to the design. Thanks, that was illuminating.