Solidus of Michael III, Constantinople c. 842 - 843

Editor: Here we have a Solidus of Michael III from Constantinople. The golden material gives the coin a luminous effect, and the figures are finely detailed, despite their small size. What strikes you about the composition of this piece? Curator: The bilateral symmetry is immediately evident. Consider how the artist used line and form to delineate the imperial figure, repeating motifs to emphasize power and order. Do you notice how the inscriptions frame the figures, almost as if containing their essence? Editor: Yes, the way the inscriptions encircle the figures really draws my eye. It's interesting how the artist balanced the design within such a small space. Curator: Indeed. The controlled composition speaks to the formal concerns of Byzantine art. The coin becomes not just currency, but a statement of imperial authority and divine right, communicated through design. Editor: I see now how the formal elements reinforce the coin’s purpose beyond simple commerce. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. It’s fascinating to observe how artistic expression intertwines with power structures in these objects.