Coin of Justinian I c. 547 - 548

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Justinian I, although we can't pinpoint the exact date. It's fascinating how something so small carries so much history! What strikes you about its visual elements? Curator: Note the bilateral symmetry employed on both faces. On one side, the figure of Justinian, perhaps idealized, centrally positioned and framed by inscription. The other face displays a large "M", bisected by a horizontal line, and flanked by smaller characters. The material itself, bronze, and its worn state, are critical components. Editor: So the very composition and medium tell a story? Curator: Precisely. The coin is not merely an image, but an object, possessing inherent qualities that communicate power, faith, and the passage of time. Consider how the lines and shapes work together to produce a harmonious design. Editor: I never considered the shapes in that way! It definitely reframes how I see similar objects. Curator: Indeed, analyzing the interplay of these elements allows for a deeper understanding.