Basilicon of Andronikos II c. 1282 - 1328

Editor: We're looking at a small silver coin, a Basilicon of Andronikos II. The worn details give it such an aged feel. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: Consider the materiality. Silver wasn't just metal, it was currency, power. Each strike of the die, each imperfection, speaks to the labor and resources invested. Who controlled that production, and how did its use reflect societal values? Editor: That's fascinating! It makes me think about the economic systems at play. Curator: Exactly! It’s about labor, the control of materials, and the distribution of wealth. The image itself is secondary to the processes that brought it into existence. Does that change how you view its artistic value? Editor: Absolutely! It shows that art can be more than just an aesthetic object; it's a product of its time and resources.