Tetarteron of John II, Thessalonika 

Editor: Here we have the Tetarteron of John II, a small coin now at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s quite worn, giving it a sense of age and history. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: This coin offers a lens into the socio-political power dynamics of the Byzantine Empire. The image of John II isn't just a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed assertion of authority. How does the coin's materiality speak to its role in wider structures of power and exchange? Editor: So, it's more than just currency? Curator: Precisely. Coins like this were tools for propagating imperial ideology, especially within trade networks. It shows us how images and objects helped solidify control. These objects are vital when reconstructing marginalized voices. Editor: That’s a powerful perspective; I hadn't considered the symbolic weight of something so small. Curator: Considering the everyday significance of art objects is what allows us to construct narratives with contemporary relevance.