Coin of Arcadius, Constantinople 383 - 388

Curator: There's something hauntingly beautiful about this small, bronze Coin of Arcadius. It feels like holding a whisper from Constantinople itself. Editor: Indeed. This coin, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, presents us with a fascinating glimpse into the politics of imagery during Arcadius's reign. Curator: The Emperor's profile, so stoic and distant on one side... I wonder what preoccupied his thoughts? And then the figures on the reverse, all stiff and symbolic. Editor: Precisely. The imagery reinforced the Emperor's authority. It’s interesting to consider how such a small object played a role in shaping public perception and legitimizing power. Curator: Small, yes, but think of all the hands it passed through, each person perhaps briefly contemplating the man depicted. Editor: Absolutely, it served as a potent symbol, circulating within the Empire and beyond, reminding everyone of the Emperor’s presence. Curator: It's incredible how such a humble artifact can evoke a sense of longing for a world that's vanished, or not even vanished but transformed beyond recognition. Editor: A tangible link to Late Antiquity, revealing the intersection of art, power, and belief within the Byzantine world. I appreciate you sharing this perspective. Curator: And I appreciate your historical grounding, giving shape to my whims!