Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Manuel I. It's small and worn, but the figures are still visible. What strikes you about this artifact? Curator: It’s remarkable how such a commonplace object can speak volumes about power and representation. Consider the deliberate act of placing an image of authority – likely Manuel himself, possibly Christ – onto currency. Editor: Right, it's like branding. Curator: Exactly! This coin becomes a tool for disseminating a specific ideology, intertwining religious and imperial authority. Who benefits from this visual assertion? And whose narratives are silenced? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It's more than just money; it's a statement. Curator: Precisely. Studying this coin allows us to deconstruct the power dynamics inherent in seemingly simple objects, inviting us to consider the narratives they uphold and conceal.