Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: So, this is a Coin of Manuel I. It's fascinating how such a small object can feel so weighty with history. What do you see in this piece, beyond just currency? Curator: I see a concentrated symbol of power and identity. Consider the historical context: Manuel I Komnenos sought to project an image of strength and legitimacy. How does this coin participate in the construction of imperial power, and what does that say about Manuel’s anxieties? Editor: So, it’s not just about the coin itself, but what it represents about Manuel's reign? Curator: Exactly. Think about the visual language used to convey authority – the depiction of Manuel himself, the inscriptions, even the materials used. They are all carefully chosen to communicate specific messages about his rule. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about in terms of visual rhetoric. Curator: Indeed. And how even seemingly mundane objects can become powerful tools in shaping social and political narratives.