Trachy of John III Vatatzes, Nikaia c. 1221 - 1254

Curator: This is a Trachy of John III Vatatzes from Nikaia, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The initial impact is one of profound wear and near illegibility, yet the forms strive for symbolic grandeur despite their diminished state. Curator: Indeed. Considering its materiality, the coin's eroded surface invites us to analyze the residual composition, noting the implied volume achieved through shallow relief. Editor: I’m immediately drawn to the iconography: the Emperor with his scepter symbolizes authority, and what appears to be Christ bestowing blessings suggests divine sanction. A powerful message of legitimacy. Curator: The distribution of figurative elements on the two sides presents a fascinating study in balance and spatial tension despite the physical damage. Editor: Ultimately, these enduring symbols offer us a window into the cultural and political climate of the Nikaian Empire. Curator: Precisely. Its survival as an object and a signifier speaks volumes about its cultural role.